We who take the Word of God to heart are mindful of the instruction to equip the saints. We call pastors with that job in mind. We ask for their leadership in reaching the lost and forlorn. We expect their understanding when pain knocks on our door. But what happens when the tables are turned, when the shepherd suffers?
What about those servants who step from the pulpit into despair, or who slip down the aisle from honor to oblivion? What about those who, after shaking a myriad hands, return mid-week to encounter the same folks, determined to make their patient presence a thing of the past? It happens. It happens more often than we would probably like to know.
The steady destruction of a precious human resource is occurring in our churches every day. Many of those trained to give solace and comfort, encouragement and support, are in need of a little of their own. Yet the very folks who could touch their weariness do not know how to respond. Some will not even notice the need.
It Shouldn’t Hurt So Much To Be A Pastor is intended to offer a strong dose of preventive medicine, guiding those in ministry through some very human perils-the temptations of their own exalted positions, and the actions of uninformed—and sometimes seemingly unfeeling—members of their flocks. Simultaneously, the book offer encouragement to leadership and other church members, so that the community we embrace as co-heirs in the family of God can be genuinely mutual, grounded in the real needs and talents of both pastors and their people.
It is not always easy to acknowledge our shortcomings whether they stem from individual trials or institutional ones. But if we hope to enjoy the full blessings of the Spirit, we must. This book challenges us to examine our own relationships within the body of Christ, specifically our relationship with the pastor—or, if a pastor, with those in our charge. We will be assisted by candid reports gleaned from nearly nine hundred pastors. An analysis of some of the rocks in the church road is offered, including certain organizational structures, deficiencies in teaching, and some cherished—if ill-founded—attitudes and expectations.
Material is provided to equip pastors to lead churches over some of the chuckholes, and to equip the congregation to care for them as very human servants of the Lord. Issues concerning financial reward, physical realities and future needs are de3alt with in a straight-forward manner. Just as importantly, the work guides readers to a deeper appreciation of the intangible exchange of genuine fellowship in the church and wider community.
Pastors are advised to follow the example of Jesus, who looked after his needs for friendship, solace and spiritual strength, even as he gave himself to the people. They are reminded of his bounty in expressively confronting trying situations. They are cautioned to follow his example as well in letting go of earthly glory, pursuing the meaningful work they are called to do, and anticipating their full reward in eternity. Those in the congregation who are concerned to fulfill their own responsibility in a vital partnership with the pastor will be rewarded here with some specific suggestions. They will be introduced to the subject of congregational care, and shown its biblical imperative. They will be urged to creatively respond in their own unique style.
If practised with the infusion of the Spirit, an informed ministry to the saints who people our pulpits can benefit the entire church body. Gracious consideration of the pastor as an individual person will enable us to serve together with greater ease and unity. We can claim hope for our churches, join hands for the work, and look forward to that sweet pleasure of accomplishment that our distinctive gifts make possible.
A H Barbee, Ph.D
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