6. Pastors Who Fail: The Unhappy Pastor
This type of pastor sees life and ministry as a glass half-empty. A pastor should be able to manage his spiritual life and spiritual affections well. Lacking Christian joy robs a pastor of one of his greatest weapons (see Nehemiah 8:10) and makes it tough to stir a passion for God in those under your care. Unhappiness may be due to lacking a robust view of the power of God.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4
7. Pastors Who Fail: The Hobby-Horse Pastor
Special interest in certain Christian topics or doctrines can become a problem when that special interest dominates everything a pastor says and does. Pastor: Resist the urge to saddle up your hobby horse to the neglect of your flock. Faithfully minister the Word to your people.
“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2
8. Pastors Who Fail: The Loose-With-Physical-Boundaries Pastor
Pastors walk a fine line with physical touch more than ever before. Without properly defined boundaries and safeguards, a pastor may find himself offending a congregant, losing his job or doing time in prison. Don’t let yourself fall into even a hint of sexual misconduct or allow gestures and physical touch to be misunderstood.
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” Ephesians 5:3
9. Pastors Who Fail: The Mismanaged Pastor
With a variety of roles and responsibilities, pastors need to be able to manage themselves, their schedule and their family. Pastors who can’t manage themselves don’t finish what they start or meet deadlines and cannot reach their potential in ministry. When Paul explained to Timothy qualifications for leaders in the church, he mentioned management three times (specifically in regards to his household). Why is that?
“For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (1 Timothy 3:5)
10. Pastors Who Fail: The Lazy Pastor
Many pastors (especially those in small churches) enjoy flexible schedules with limited oversight. This combination can turn into laziness if not kept in check and lead to a variety of sins. Being careless about shepherding the flock, loose in stewarding money, or lazy in studying Scripture will hurt you and your people over the long run. Don’t be careless with your God-ordained shepherding role—lead with zeal (Romans 12:8).
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” 1 Peter 5:2
–
Pastor, do whatever you can to avoid falling into any of these temptations. Stay committed to God in prayer and by feeding on His Word. Surround yourself with people who encourage you in the faith that you can be open and honest with and pursue the Lord together. Thank God for your salvation, your family and your ministry.
If we abide in Christ, we will be guaranteed to bear fruit for Him (John 15:4-5). Not only will we bear fruit, but He can amplify our efforts to “do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
If this post was a wakeup call for you, get on your knees and ask for God’s help and guidance to more fully surrender your life and ministry to the Lord. This could be a moment God will use to transform you and your ministry forever.
Leadership Resources International to “Preach the Word!”
