I started this blog to help pastors and church leaders because I love the local church. Leaders and laypeople alike are some of God’s greatest gifts to us, and I love being in the dozens of churches where I speak each year. At the same time, though, laypersons sometimes have misconceptions about pastors that I think hurt their leaders.
10 Misconceptions About Pastors
1. We never struggle with spiritual disciplines.
Even those of us called to lead God’s church wrestle with finding the time and discipline to spend private time with God. We live in the tension of studying for a sermon and studying for personal growth.
2. We’re all certain about our calling.
The stress of leading a church sometimes causes some of us to wonder if this is what God has called us to do. We want to be 100 percent confident, but that’s not always the situation.
3. We don’t have to pay taxes.
I’ve heard this wrong idea for decades. Some churches, I’m afraid, use these misconceptions about pastors to pay them less than they should.
4. We never get nervous preaching the Word.
I’ve preached for almost 40 years, and my heart still pounds a bit when walking to the pulpit. Frankly, I hope that reaction never goes away—proclaiming the Word ought to weigh heavy on us.
5. Our faith keeps us from getting wounded.
In fact, it’s often just the opposite. Because of our faith in God and His church, we assume that God’s people will treat each other with love and grace. Sometimes that doesn’t happen.
