I love pastors. I love to encourage pastors. And, that’s biblical. (Ephesians 4:29 … or something like that.)
Seriously, I’m a pastor. And, I work with pastors everyday. Having not been a pastor in the business world longer than I’ve been a pastor, I’ve still got somewhat of an objective … almost outside perspective.
And, now I am a pastor. Have been one for over a decade. Sometimes I wish I could share with pastors what I’m really thinking.
Well, maybe I can.
Here are seven hard words I’d say to every pastor:
1. Your family should not be second to your ministry.
Your ministry is important. It’s your calling … hopefully, your passion.
But, so is your family. Or, at least, they should be.
In fact, I’d claim that if your family suffers, almost without exception, so will your ministry.
2. You may never feel completely in control.
I realize the ministry has so many unknowns.
You work mostly with volunteers. You can’t seem to motivate people to do what people need to be doing.
That’s not going to change. You are walking by faith, remember.
3. You need someone in your life, besides your spouse, who knows the dark places.
Your spouse will usually feel the need to cover for you … and will almost always see the best in you.
You need someone who knows you well, but can look at you and say … ”You’re not telling me the whole story. What’s the real deal?”
