BY DUANE R. PETERSON
CCORDING TO WIDELY RECOGNIZED DATA, AN ESTIMATED 1,400 CHRISTIAN pastors leave the ministry each month," writes Lori Arnold in an article on pastoral burnout in the Southern California Christian Times (September 2001).
The Adventist Church is not immune to ministerial casualties. What can you do to help, heal, revive, and restore your pastor? What is the flood of difficulties that erodes the ministry of your own pastor? The solution to this multifaceted problem involves the pastor and their family, but it is also the responsibility of the entire community of believers.
Where It Begins
A deluge of details threatens to drown the pastor. A mudslide of unrealistic expectations tends to suffocate the leaders of our churches.
At times all pastors feel the frustration of trying to juggle the various and voluminous responsibilities of being: a pastor, sowing spiritual well-being among the people; a preacher, delivering fresh and pertinent messages from the pulpit; a priest, performing weddings, funerals, baptisms, and Communion services; a teacher, directing the church's education program; an administrator, having responsibilities for churches' finances and physical upkeep; a cheerleader, providing the spark for church groups, fund drives, and special events. The impossibility of trying to be all things to all people gradually promotes an overwhelming experience: burnout.
It is important not to stereotype your pastor as this holy person in the tailored black suit. They are instead mere human beings upon whom the Lord has placed a spiritual leadership role. They have strengths and weaknesses. Their gifts are not all-inclusive but unique to the individual. Pastors have feelings. They are vulnerable to hurtful demoralizing criticism. It is lethal. Scolding and "constructive criticism" is usually destructive. It is counterproductive to point out the minister's failures. It's like the overbearing coach who tries crushing his players into a better performance, but succeeds only in causing them to freeze up.
How Do I Minister?
Here are some practical and vital ways you can support and enhance the ministry of your minister:
1. Pray for your pastor often. Assure them of your love and prayers. Prayer is so invigorating and helpful. It is the breath of the pastor's being. "If in this opportune time the members of the churches will come humbly before God, putting out of their hearts all that is wrong and consulting Him at every step, He will manifest Himself to them and will give them courage in Him. And as the church members do their part faithfully, the Lord will lead and guide His chosen ministers, and strengthen them for their important work. In much prayer let us all unite in holding up their hands and in drawing bright beams from the heavenly sanctuary."* (See sidebar.)
2. Take the initiative in communicating with the pastor's family. Invite them home for dinner. At times, include them in some of your family trips and excursions of fun. Make sure the church family remembers the pastor on special occasions, such as Christmas, birthdays, and farewell events. Let them find in you a harbor of love and acceptance. In this atmosphere, strive to help them succeed as the Savior's ambassadors.
2. Keep the pastor apprised of opportunities to minister. Don't expect mystical premonitions. Keep the pastor informed about the various needs in the church family.
3. Care for the pastor's spouse. They are often the unsung heroes. They are most often overlooked. Plan to send your pastor and their spouse on a retreat where in a quiet, special place they can practice the spiritual disciplines so they can grow closer to our Lord.
4. Assist your pastor in ministry. Volunteer to accompany your pastor on visits or Bible studies. Cut out and share articles and illustrations to enhance the messages from the pulpit. Give him/her a copy of your favorite book, or a gift certificate to their closest Bible bookstore.
5. Develop a genuine, authentic relationship with your pastor. Not one of facades. Sincerely assure them that you are their friend. Be inclusive and don't treat them as unapproachable. This will develop a community of love that is recognized as a unique, warm, innovative church family.
Room for More
These suggestions are practical ways to assist pastors to be all God wants them to be. The biggest room in life is the room for improvement. Pastors along with everyone else need to enter it. In a winsome way, graciously guide your pastor into that room. To paraphrase a bumper sticker I have seen: "Have you hugged your pastor today?" Determine to answer this question with an exuberant, resounding "Yes!"
Jesus gave us a new commandment: "Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--when they see the love you have for each other" (John 13:34, 35, Message).
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* Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 134.
Celebrate clergy during Clergy Appreciation Month in October.
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Duane R. Peterson, D.Min., retired after 44 years as a pastor, teacher, and evangelist.
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