Is Your Pastorate at Risk?
Unfortunately, pastoral failure is a common occurrence in today’s churches. We’ve all heard about the scandals and the host of reasons why a pastor must step down. But the real question… Is your pastorate at risk?
What most people don’t realize is that being a pastor (especially a lead pastor) has some very unique challenges that most positions of employment don’t have today. Can you think of a job that requires public leadership, private leadership, providing care and counsel to meet multiple levels of need while shouldering the responsibility for growth and expansion and at the same time enduring criticism and pushback when things don’t turn out? Of course, all of this is free of charge, only hoping people will feel led to give. No, being a pastor is a very unique role in today’s world carrying with it many trappings. The public part can become lonely. The lack of support can wear you down. Support can turn into betrayal overnight. What would appear to be fulfilling and joyful work can quickly turn in into cynicism.
Simply put, no one can really prepare you for the ups and downs of being a pastor. Although we’ve discussed this lack of preparation in a prior blog “Why Pastors Are Leaving Ministry”, there are preventative steps that can lower the level of risk and ensure spiritual health and growth!
When pastors feel push-back, criticism, and lack of support by congregants, there is often no place for a pastor to go. Why? Because the pastor is always supposed to be positive and full of faith! So the temptation is to pull back and not trust those around them. Scripture warns against withdrawal and how the enemy will capitalize on this type of thinking. The Apostle Peter warned about this issue and the need to be alert…
1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Have you ever watched those National Geographic specials, showing how a lion stalks its prey? It’s not only disturbing and hard to watch, but the lion always seems to isolate its prey by separating them from the protection of the herd. The lion never goes for those in the center of the pack, only the straggler. A vivid metaphor is used to remind us what can happen to a pastor who isolates and withdraws. It is spiritually dangerous and the enemy will capitalize on it. In fact, if you look closely at why most pastors struggle today, you will quickly find patterns of isolation and withdrawal. The real question is are the necessary steps you are taking to protect yourself and your ministry. Given the everyday challenges of the pastorate, where are you going to find support, safety, and new levels of growth?
The Solution: Church leadership can reduce the risk of pastoral failure by providing a monthly stipend for their pastor to meet with an experienced coach. This will not only provide the much-needed support but will also prevent isolation and withdrawal from taking place.
Dr. Ambrose has first-hand experience in understanding the unique role and challenges involved in the pastorate. With 27+ years of ministry experience, he can help provide a safe place of encouragement and support to protect and even help you experience new levels of growth. Don’t wait! Contact Dr. Ambrose to discuss the benefits of coaching and how it works.