A Broken Pastor

I stumbled across this blog article today by a Pastor on sabbatical. In it he describes quite transparently the heart of a Pastor. The high moments... the low moments... the questions... the desperation... the expectations (both of self and external)...

I post this to, hopefully, encourage you all to remember those whom are called to lead you, spiritually.

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. (Hebrews 13:17)

The life of a Pastor is often one of isolation (sometimes by choice, but usually out of protection). They can easily be in a crowded room and be completely alone (him and his family). They do not usually complain because they know their calling and refuse to waiver. They stand in the gap for us sheep (the Flock - the Church)... they labor in prayer on our behalf... they face temptation... they are ridiculed... they are mocked in the media... they are looked up to in crisis, but down upon in prosperity... their stances (especially against sin) are challenged repeatedly by us who seek only what's best for us.

Some ideas for encouraging your Pastor...

1. PRAY for him and his family! Ask him from time to time how you can pray for them. Teach your children to pray for him and his family, too.

2. LIVE the Gospel... instead of "just trying to make it," seek to LIVE the Gospel that Christ gave His life for and confirmed in returning to the living. Christ lives so that we might have a full life (John 10:10) - one that is for HIS glory and not our own (Col. 1:15-16). Pastors (hopefully/prayerfully) do not seek to achieve self notoriety, but instead to lead people to Him who is the absolute best for everyone's life. There is nothing that brings more joy to a Pastor's heart than to see people with broken hearts turn to Him who heals and molds people in His image.

3. TRUST his vision and calling. Most churches hesitate when it comes to change. They cling to what was/is and not what could be. Praise God if your Pastor has a vision and heart to see lost people saved - follow him! Ask how you might be involved. Churches often seek what's best for their own church (or personal lives/families)... a Pastor's heart is to seek how they might profit the Kingdom!

4. ENCOURAGE other church members in their faith. Call "sin" what it is - sin (not an "oops," but a blatant and conscious act that draws us away from God and offends God), fellowship in Truth together, hold one another accountable, pray for their families and together seek out Pastoral council in how you might be a part of His vision (not your own vision - or one that is self-seeking).

5. LEARN with him! Learn how to love the lost, dying, weak, sick, broken, confused, confrontational, impatient, self-seeking and sinful. Learn how to demonstrate mercy and grace and how to extend it to all (regardless of who they are, where they come from or whether or not they even care). Ask him to challenge you in this endeavor. Ask questions (Pastors are always encouraged to see their people hungry for the Word!). Ask for suggestions in ways you might teach your own family (both in Scripture and living out Scripture).

Pastors are MEN called by God - they are not perfect. They lose focus from time-to-time, they hurt, they are anxious, they question their own calling and leadership, they battle pride and they struggle (spiritually, emotionally, and physically). Just as much as they are called to lead us, we are called to be an encouragement to them and to follow them (trusting that they, who are accountable to God, are leading us toward Him)!

To Pastor Trevor (from the article) - I am praying for you and your family, my Brother. I pray God would illuminate your heart with clarity, vision, wisdom and an unquenchable fire!

Want to join the conversation? Click here to comment or ask a question!

The image I borrowed is actually entitled "The Lonely Photographer", but I found it to be a powerful picture that summed up in many ways what I wrote about regarding the Broken Pastor. Image Credit: bart_azare

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