In my latest non-scientific Twitter survey, I asked the following question of pastors and church staff: What is your biggest challenge in ministry? Here are the top twelve responses with representative quotes. I’ve taken the liberty to expand most of the quotes from their abbreviated form in Twitter.
- Apathy and internal focus. “I have been in ministry for over twenty years, and I’ve never seen church members more apathetic and internally focused.”
- Staff issues. “I inherited staff from the previous pastor. It’s not a good match, but I don’t have the credibility to do anything about it.”
- Leading and keeping volunteers. “It’s a fulltime job itself.”
- General time constraints. “I end every week wondering why I got so little done.”
- Getting buy-in from members. “I spend half my time developing a consensus from members about decisions from the mundane to the critical.”
- Generational challenges. “It seems like the older generation is determined to nix any new ideas or excitement from the younger generation.”
- Finances. “You can sum up our challenge in four simple words: We need more money.”
- Holding on to traditions. “I wish our members would put as much effort into reaching people for Christ as they do holding on to their traditions.”
- Criticism. “Some leaders in the church have appointed themselves to be my weekly critics.”
- Leadership development. “We miss too many opportunities in ministry because we don’t have enough leaders ready.”
- Majoring on minors. “We spent an hour in our last business conference discussing the fonts in our bulletins.”
- Lack of true friends. “One of the toughest realities for me as pastor was the awareness that I have no true friends in the church.”
What is fascinating, if not discouraging, about this survey is that virtually all of the challenges noted by these pastors and staff were internal challenges. It appears that many of our churches in America are not effective conduits of the gospel because the members spend so much energy concerned about their own needs and preferences.
What do you think about this list? What would you add?
Posted on June 26, 2013
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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100 Comments
This list, while not surprising is a good list to help evaluate our own organizations. The saddest of all to me was the last one. It never ceases to amaze me the lack of true friendship and relationships that most pastors experience. They build support networks for so many others yet the organization or systems in place do not allow for the development of their own friendships. Changing this factor would elp with burnout and thus turnover likely resulting in greater efficiencies throughout the organization. Thanks for sharing.
Thom, thanks for sharing your latest ‘non-scientific’ survey. What a great question! … the honest reality is that THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE for any pastor (or church staff) is ‘THEMSELF’. Our biggest challenge is always ourselves, isn’t?
Like Moses, most pastors are godly men and great leaders. Also like Moses, pastors need to be careful not ONE to get carried away in their great work, AND TWO, BE CAREFUL not to make great mistakes that cost them dearly.
Here’s what I mean …
ONE, Moses got caught in the trap of trying to do to much, trying to make all the decisions, trying to spend time all the people. God gave him some advice, Exodus 18:21 (and Deut 1:15) “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be leaders of thousands, leaders of hundreds, leaders of fifties, and leaders of tens.” Many pastors struggle with setting up LEADERSHIP INFRASTRUCTURE (particularly among men) to bear the responsibility of leadership, decision-making, care-taking, and importantly, spiritual discipleship. Is there a size of church or pastor that can’t benefit from the ‘LEADER OF TENS’ type of infrastructure model? Interestingly enough, Jesus worked with TWELVE for 3 years to get them leadership-ready. Look what happened in Acts 6:1-4 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying … then the TWELVE summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Pastors need to learn to let go of being the center of attention and learn to make THE CENTER OF THEIR ATTENTION on developing ‘leadership infrastructure’ all the way down to ‘leaders of tens’. How many ‘TENS’ are in your church? How many ‘LEADERS OF TENS’ do you have set up to lead?
Like Jesus, Pastor need to get comfortable with the thought behind Jesus statement when He looked at His ‘leaders’ and ‘disciples’ and said John 14:12a “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” Pastors, set up your ‘leaders’, ‘disciples’, and ‘members’ to do GREATER WORKS than you!
TWO, for your own personal benefit and the benefit of your people, BE CAREFUL not to make the Great Mistake that Moses made. Out of prolonged frustration with how his ‘congregation’ was acting and responding, Moses chose to do God’s work his way. Moses struck the rock. AND God still gave Moses ‘God’s results’ for doing God’s work. BUT it cost Moses dearly. Be careful to do God’s work … God’s way. Not your own way. Not what you think is best as the ‘Leader of the People’. How do you do that? Just like the TWELVE above, STAY FOCUSED CONTINUOUSLY ON PRAYER and THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD.
After all, that is how your ‘congregation’ and ‘people’ will grow both spiritually and numerically.
ONE, continually build your ‘LEADERSHIP INFRASTRUCTURE’ (across all age groups).
TWO, continually keep YOUR TIME and ENERGY focused on Prayer and the Ministry of the Word.
That’s a pastor’s BIGGEST CHALLENGE!
The church is NOT a Burger King…get it your way.
The pastors that seek to impose their will on deacons/committees/members before they win their heart and earn their trust (your doctorate in theology can’t help you with that) will always have a hard time advancing their vision for the church. Don’t envy the pastor of mega-church that’s been there for 25 years, you are looking at the end result of their faithful ministry. Ask them what got them there … Faithful preaching, Love for the people, Servant heart.
I know there are some deacons/committees/members that can come from Hades, but they are there to remind you that in God’s Kingdom we advance on our knees.
I disagree Will… There are always things church members can do better. It is the Church members who should be learning how to have a servants heart and to feed not to be fed… Children who refuse to grow up become petulant spoiled adults… Working in a jail I have had the privilege to see those who do not want to grow up just be taken care of….A pastor is not only a leader but a coach, teacher, confidant and parent to the congregation.A congregation should be hiring the pastor for their ability to evoke learning as well as growth not because of some high school popularity contest and by the time the hiring process has taken place they should have decided that their new pastor is CAPABLE not just likable. Even though a Pastor has been retained and employed by the church does not mean that he does what they say, just the opposite he is now in the position of defining the advancement of the church and it’s people.
A pastor who refuses to lead thinking instead the congregation will define itself is negligent. As in any new job a period of learning and adjustment is needed to put things in place. Sometimes work is excessive and it is then that delegating skills come in. A pastor who does not delegate correctly runs the risk of putting individuals who are prideful and (envious of the pastors position of power) in places they should not be. Just because a member has been in the church for years or grown up in a Christian home does not make them any MORE righteous that any other member of the body,the head of membership, Pastor or Christ… Can you imagine telling Christ that he cannot have it his way?
Oh, I thought that Jesus said that whoever wanted to be great in the kingdom had to become a SERVANT. T H A T is Jesus’ way. Have you considered the option that there are pastors that push THEIR agenda BEFORE having earned the members heart through SERVICE?
I know there are members out there that are spoiled brats, but this is a blog to pastors.
Making sure I sent the correct link about “Politics in the Pulpit” in my earlier comment. Thanks.
http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/FjaWpmNDpWyAXaC0QhDrWFOj7OWUbfg9
I believe in these days God is calling our great pastors to go even further out of their comfort zone to an even higher calling.
“Politics in the Pulpits” http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/Bob2NuNDqljS7mxOh58u3t7ogF2To54g
Pastors made America great… It is a big challenge; it would cost a great deal; Jesus understands this.
.New International Version (©2011)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
I found myself deeply wounded reading this. I’ve served difficult congregations all with histories of terminating pastors AND troubled staff (Which previous pastors affirmed to me in consequent conversations, which they didn’t reveal when I contacted them in my pre-call research). Honestly, right now I have no desire to shepherd a local congregation because of all the things you mentioned, which is the tip of the iceberg in my experience.
To be lied about by staff and congregants, to have my wife and kids morality slandered, to be falsely accused of absurd things later proved false (!), to be portrayed as an immoral liar, and (to some) as a theologically divisive person became too much to handle after 23 years. Sadly I’m sure all those who did those things probably believed they were justified in their actions.
If congregants really knew what pastors have to deal with they’d be shocked! Pastors deal with much more than any staff member. Yes, I’m wounded. Yes, I’m hurt. No, I’m not angry at anyone. Just broken that it seems the adeversary wins too many battles. It seems he knows crippling the under-shepherd makes the sheep easy prey.
Again if this is happening without cause to the Pastor then it is happening to the congregants…. Either these churches are the nest of Satan or they are in need of a stronger Pastor who can lead and mold them into a Christ serving and Christ projecting body…. I personally after 56 years would not seek to be a member of these dens of Satan you speak about. I have enough energy to deal with the mundane issues of cliques ( and their gossip) , ownership of Christ above other members and love of power which I see in some people whom I run into in churches and ministries. Approaching a person who has wronged you is biblical too( as well as turning the other cheek and being a peace maker) … I would much rather focus on my mission, getting the work done and those who are working alongside me in Christs’ name and with his demeanor.
It is not good for any of us to paint with broad strokes or make blanket statements which is why I spoke of my experience. The nuances of situations and problems in congregations are, however, because too many pastors and congregants have forgotten how to repent, forgive, show mercy and grace so as to be restored and reconciled.
Until these virtues replace the world’s paradigm of how things are to be done, confusion will remain in many congregations.
Susan,
Amen, and pastors feel the same way too, but they do need support. More often than not, supporters of a pastor remain silent while the pastor is pilloried. My experience with a challenging ministry has led me to understand that although I had many supporters, they always remained silent, while the vocal minority was the only one who spoke. The silence from my supporters sometimes led to private conversations in which people expressed their support, but often it came across as “You have great ideas but you are too weak of a leader.” I (actually my wife and I) endured that hardship while feeling quite alone. Today my opponents have been silenced, and I feel a great sense of relief. But make no mistake, damage has been done. And, honestly, perhaps that is what God wants for me, to lead with confidence but to walk wounded. I don’t know for sure. It is too soon to tell.
I appreciate your viewpoint on this. I wish that more church folks felt as strongly as you did, perhaps pastors would not feel so isolated.
dk
Dan, it is always easier to pay lip service than to stand for your convictions. I have always had more trouble with individuals who pay lip service to me than those who oppose me outright. At least you know where a person stands when they oppose you, a person who comes to you later after sitting the fence only made sure they were on the safe side. I am sorry you are among the wounded and I think you said it eloquently when you stated that God may want you to walk wounded. I commented at 1002 this am ( below)about more of my thoughts . I hope you do not mind but I will leave your previous post and questions untouched…
My background is 32 years in Corrections as an officer and supervisor and a lifetime in Christ. I managed to be able to incorporate My faith into my work and came away with a wonderful experience thank God. Corrections is not the easiest place to be a Christian or even a believer in God. I have been spit on cursed at and called every derogatory name in the book even some that some Christians could not think of. I have been invited to young men’s privates who are young enough to be grandchildren and I have gone in swinging, attempting to stop assaults on both staff and inmates. Perhaps this has molded me into the outspoken believer that I am. But maybe not.
God formed a plan for me early on from my early profession of Christ to leaving the Catholic Church for a Baptist assembly and entering into corrections in my early 20’s where I called every inmate sir , young lady and mam and if I interrupted with a request I said excuse me! God grew me through me childhood and young adulthood with experiences and understanding of the environment I would one day be working in. I was not born into some urban community with a knowledge of the “element” but a middle class white family with a home in the suburbs.
My background also is a product of several pastors and a priest who were not afraid of being controversial or telling it as it should be.The only time I personally had to spend with these wonderful individuals was when I could encourage them. Their teachings and leadership were enough to motivate me to greater things and to learn about disciplining and missions.
I was inspired early on in my Corrections career by a Book called Man in The Mirror which the men’s group at my church had done a study on. Being that I worked with Men as well as women reading this book made sense to me and not only was an inspiration to me but it’s insights have been an inspiration to those who I worked with who would listen. As a result of that book I became more immersed in using my life and career as my ministry.
I volunteered to work alongside ex offenders and pastors in Prison Ministry in affiliation with Chuck Colson and Prison Fellowship and was instrumental in starting an interfaith ministry group of leaders in our county who were involved in Prison Ministry.
I have always reminded myself (repetitively ) that it is not the whole but the _one_ that is saved that counts . With that in mind I have plugged on even in the worst opposition because if I gave up, that ONE would not have a witness…
While I have limited friends I seek out other commited Christians to talk with when I need guidance and this includes one or two Pastors I know . I do not walk alone .
http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/when-the-lord-tarries/
I find the article very disturbing … I would hope that I would not be that person that all these pastors are laying the blame for their ineptitude at leadership. Some of the comments make me ill. As a ministry leader I have seen the same things but also the lack of spine from the lead pastor when he bows to the folly of those who undermine him. Volunteerism is a job unto itself but a true leader knows not only how to delegate but what to delegate… What is the problem with these people making excuses… Take the bull by the horns and lead with conviction. If you are so afraid to make waves or are afraid the waves you make might be overly large for the congregation to handle then perhaps you should not be where you are
Susan, take the bull by the horns? Lack spine? Making excuses? Ineptitude in leadership?
Turn the other cheek… Be a servant… Strive to be at peace with all… Forgive. Those are the things that dominate a pastor’s heart. He’d rather take a black eye than give one to anyone in the church. Often the Pastor is on a limb by himself. I too hope you aren’t a trouble maker. There are enough harsh critics as it is who are critical of ministers.
I can tell you this, pastors love God’s people deeply as found in 1 Cor 13. They are unwilling to run roughshod over God’s people because how he treats them IS how he treats Christ. I hope and pray you support, love, and encourage your pastor. Pray for him, don’t prey on him. Blessings
Poking the fire…. Devisivness is bred by both contentious,unhappy people and people who instead of leading bow to those contentious people and allow them to ride roughshod over the rest of the congregation. I am not one of those that makes the problems but I am a Supervisor in a correctional institution as well as a prion ministry partner . I have seen and been on the side that has broken you and I know what you are talking about … However even Jesus Turned over the temple tables in righteous anger. Sometimes instead of placating the complainers it is better to stand up for what you see… Peace should not be at the expense of the church losing a pastor and members… You may have been privy to the Pastors side ( difficult congregations with a history of terminating Pastors) My mission over 28 years was to try and end that cycle because WHAT you do not see after you have left is that the contentious continue to run roughshod and push the weaker out wounding them just as you were wounded… I have always thought that a Pastor is a Leader not just another broken follower.
Prion=prison. (Side that has broken you ) = same side that you have been on
Susan,
I have questions that I would love to see people from the congregation answer
Do you support your pastors vision when you do not fully agree with it? When you do not, how do you respond? Do you call others from the church to complain, or do you call on the Lord on your pastor’s behalf? Do you call the pastor inept when they cannot lead people who won’t be led? Do you call the pastor lazy when he chooses to spend some extra time with his family and asks a deacon to make a hospital visit? Do you ridicule and belittle pastors when they share their struggles and frustrations with other pastors? Is the pastor safe when he lets his guard down around you? How would you feel about a pastor who would run the church like a president of a corporation? Would you be okay with a pastor who did not feel when remorse and pain when he hurt his people in order to get his God given vision accomplished (even if it is people he doesn’t agree with)? Have you been able to gather supporters around your pastor, or does he face the friendly fire of the church alone? Does your “support” for your pastor sound and feel like criticism?
DK
Richard, Pastors need to see their current assignment as a mission field, not their home. That means your support comes from somewhere else. Friendships cultivated elsewhere need to be brought forward to the present. Your closesst and most intimate friends need to be somewhere other than where you presently are. And even though they are long distance, they can provide you the support you seek without the risk you run being too transparent with local folks who may use your honesty against you. I know some will disagree. But this is what has worked for me.
I fully agree… As a lay person I may have friends at work but on the other hand I do not go looking to make friends at my work. It is a job not a fraternity. There is a saying Familiarity breeds contempt… A supervisor who tries to be a friend /pal or a parent who tries to be a contemporary of their child are often scorned or taken advantage of
Number 12 jumped out at me. I was in youth ministry for many years and have served as a pastor for 8 years at my current church. I had a lot of great friends as a youth minister. I’ve been lied about and betrayed by several “friends” since becoming a pastor. People treat a senior pastor differently. I have zero friends now and will probably never try to have another. I love our church, but I will always be “the pastor” and people never see you as human and they DO NOT care about you as a person regardless of what they say.
Ben I am sorry you feel that way… As a ministry leader and a member of a church where this has happened I know it can be tough and disheartening . It does not however mean you have to shut down. The finality with which you comment belies a festering condition. Please seek a friend or mentor outside the church to help you work through this.
No. 12. has been the hardest one to adjust too. I had worked for several years in the business world before becoming a Pastor. I had many friends before but now the lack of friends is sometimes difficult. My wife has had the hardest time with the lack of real friends as well. We pray that God will help us develop friends that we can share issues with.
I understand Richard. The loneliness of pastors can, at times, be debilitating. Keep praying, and keep reaching out to other pastors because there are others who also struggle with a lack of friends.
I guess we could add “institutionalism” alongside of tradition. I love our SBC but our Convention did churches a great disservice in the 50-60’s with a program mentality. I have a group of laymen who are gathering on their own to pray for revival in our church. It is a lay movement, it has spread by word of mouth, it is not mentioned on any church literature, and it is held off campus. One dear brother in my church heard about this and immediately began to ask questions like, “Who’s going to be in charge?”, “Who’s going to tell us what to pray for?” “Don’t we need someone to come in and lead us?” He does not have a clue about revival and spiritual awakening because he has an institutional mindset. Lord Jesus deliver us from this!
[ “the poor, the broken, the sick, and generally the sinful outcast of society. I wonder how many churches would be looking for new pastors if we did what Jesus did..”]
I think it’s actually easier to spend time with the above listed, but only because we have absolutely zero expectations of them. However, they won’t pay for anything, including an electric bill to keep the lights on, or your liability insurance so that you can keep picking them up for church.. So, as long as you’ve got a ministry that is funded from other sources, you could do that. That’s the nature of the food banks, homeless shelters and the rescue missions, but not usually the main focus of the church. We have several of this type in our church. I have to cover for their inabilities to bring food and themselves by bringing them and by bringing extra food for every service that we have a meal that they come to. It’s fine, because I know that the Lord wants me to do this. It’s also fine because I have the money to do it. However, if I didn’t have the money to pay for it, I’d have to cease doing it. I haven’t yet seen the Lord drop money out of the sky. So far he’s always used people to provide. Sometimes, it’s very, very unexpectedly, but it’s always been a person.
Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
With all due respect. If we are more concerned about the utility bill than we are about doing what Jesus did something is terribly amiss.