A Pastor's Role
Have you considered how jobs have changed over the years? Police used to be peacekeepers; just making sure people didn’t hurt themselves or others, and arresting those wanted for major crimes. They were their own jailors, and used very little technology in their job. People liked policemen because they kept the peace.
Now, there is an us vs them mentality. People often fear the police. They no longer so much keep the peace as enforce the law. We look in our mirrors with apprehension when we see a police-car coming from behind us.
Clergy too, have gone through transitions. We used to ride the circuit and our only job was to preach. Our interpretation of the gospel was unquestioned and we were considered the primary authority on theology, morality, and righteous living.
During the sixties, clergy were often activists for social justice and societal change. We became administrators and were often in charge of church finances, as well as washing the dishes after church dinner. We became counselors and teachers, youth leaders and hospice workers.
As times change and the world — and the church — becomes more and more a melting pot, the boundaries determined by denominational differences are fading, and the church is home to sometimes five generations of church-goers. Each age group, and people from different religious backgrounds have diverging ideas on what their minister should do.
Some feel the minister should keep his/her nose out of the finances; but if the church has financial problems, then there’s someone to say its the minister’s fault. Some feel like the minister ought to be teacher and preacher, a source to go to when theologically troubled; but few listen to a minister’s point of view anymore and prefer to stick to their own idea of what the bible says.
Some want the minister to be visiting the elderly, the sick, and potential members all the time, while at the same time being available in the office eight hours a day; while others don’t care if they ever see the minister outside church on Sunday morning.
The pastor should be the church’s representative at local sporting events, ministerial meetings, denominational activities, church camp, and civic organizations. But also, the pastor should worry about his/her own flock and never leave town.
Of course, let us not forget that the pastor must also take good care of him/herself; seeing the doctor, going on vacation, taking time out for him/herself, and maintaining a prayer life 24/7. Oh, and spending time with the family so that the pastor’s family is without repute.
We cannot forget that in all this, the pastor must never curse, get drunk, break the law, become inebriated, cheat on his/her spouse (if single should not date around), and is always above reproach.
In today’s world, we have another social/moral dimension. Pastor’s are supposed to be loving to their members, but not ‘too’ loving. Some people are offended if you offer a hug, others are offended if you don’t. We’re supposed to offer comfort, but holding a full hug is now ‘inappropriate.’ We’re supposed to comfort the widowed, but being alone with anyone is ‘risky.’ Counseling is supposed to be confidential, but we’re also supposed to have someone else present while doing so.
The role of the pastor seems now to be very confused. Congregational members have different ideas than their pastor of what the he/she should be doing. Often their ideas are not consistent with other members of the same congregation.
Clergy burn-out is at an all-time high. We all know a minister who has left the ministry well before retirement. These clergy sometimes have the attitude, “you can take this job and shove it.” Certainly many wonder what it is they have been called to.
What’s the answer? As in any union, communication is a big help. That should start well before a church calls a pastor. Members should talk and make sure everyone is on a similar page when defining a ministerial expectations. Then be clear with their candidates about what is expected. The pastor too, should be clear in how they see their role. Talk should continue throughout the partnership to keep those roles realistic and clear and the PPR committees and Elders should support the one they’ve called.
We just all need to remember we’re on the same side—Christ’s. Let’s not forget that we love each other.
