Being a pastor is tough. Most people in your congregation have no idea what working in the ministry is like, much less being the pastor. I’m sure there are even a few who think that you work one day a week preaching a sermon and play golf the other 6 days! The fact is, many pastors are so busy that they don’t even get one day off, much less 6! I’ll say it again. Being a pastor is tough.
To back up this statement, a recent survey by ExPastors.com shows that 64% of pastors consider themselves overworked, 86% feel they are unable to meet the demands of the job at times, and 71% say they have experienced burnout. These are serious stats for any profession, but for pastors, they are downright alarming! Not only is being a pastor tough, it is also very important! Paul tells us several times that pastors are one of the gifts that God has given to the church. They are supposed to help us mature and equip us for the work that God has called us to do (Ephesians 4: 11-13). Without our pastors, many of us would never fulfill the purpose for which we were placed on the earth.
With this in mind, it’s alarming that so many pastors are experiencing burnout, stress, and overwork. Something is wrong. I’m sure that this is not what Jesus intended when he established the church to be his agent on the earth. How can a pastor begin to experience fulfillment and joy from the role that God has called them to instead of anxiety, stress, and burnout?
One of the best strategies for reducing stress in ministry is to stay in your lane. Stick to what you are called to do. While the biblical qualifications for pastors can be derived from those of elders or deacons, the specific job functions are not listed.
In 1 Peter 5:1-4, Peter tells the elders that they are to “care for the flock that God has entrusted to you”. That’s not very specific. The only verse that gives specific instruction for the role of a pastor is found in Ephesians 4. Beginning in verse 11, Paul tells us that pastors and teachers are given to the church by God for the purpose of equipping God’s people to do his work and build up the church. Notice that the pastor is not supposed to do the work. He is to equip others to do the work.
Too many times, pastors assume the role of CEO, not shepherd. A CEO manages. A Shepherd cares. If it does not fall into the category of equipping others to do the work of God, you should not do it. It may be good, but if it falls outside the scope of equipping others to do God’s work, it’s not your responsibility. Delegate the responsibility to someone else. Let others operate within their gifts and do it.
A Ceo manages. A Shepherd cares. Click To Tweet
An example of this principle in the Bible can be found in Acts 6. As the church was in its infancy, some issues started to arise. There were problems. If you’re a pastor, you should find this encouraging. Your church isn’t the only one with problems. Even Peter, James and John had problems with the early church! In Acts 6 we read about a problem in the early church. At best, it was neglect. At the worst it was racism. Either way, it was a problem.
Tom Rawlings
Tom Rawlings is a speaker, author, and church leadership expert. Tom is also a sought-after coach for pastors and church leaders as well as a consultant in church structure and leadership. For more information on how Tom can help your church reach its potential, click the button below.
