Many pastors feel called into the ministry because of how preaching from a pulpit makes them feel. Public speaking releases adrenaline, cortisol, and even dopamine. This is why some pastors who are gifted at public speaking enjoy it so much. It releases these hormones that can create a euphoric feeling. Because of this, they think that preaching is the most important thing they do. But there are many more pastoral responsibilities.
Don’t get me wrong – preaching is important. Rich Birch from UnSeminary says that 76% of people say they choose a church based primarily on the preaching. However, a pastor has to understand that there are so many other responsibilities that will make or break them. There have been incredibly gifted preachers who neglect the other responsibilities of pastoring and never see success.
On the flip side, some pastors aren’t as gifted in public speaking but excel in other responsibilities and, therefore, see success.
Preaching Is Just The Tip Of The Iceberg
Preaching is not the most important thing a pastor will do. It’s like an iceberg. Only 10% is seen because the tip is above the surface. 90% of the iceberg is underneath the surface. This is a striking parallel to the responsibilities of a pastor. Preaching is just a fraction of the job; these seven key pastoral responsibilities must also be met.
Let’s take a closer look at those other pastoral responsibilities.
1. Be a Healthy Leader
More than anything, a church needs an emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy leader. The leader needs to dedicate time to focus on these areas. A healthy leader is the greatest gift to the church because they can also create a healthy church. This pastoral responsibility requires the leader to do the deep work of introspection, ensuring they are eating healthy and exercising, keeping their personal life pure, and seeking God through prayer and reading the Scriptures.
2. Prioritize Prayer
Another pastoral responsibility is prayer. The Apostles outlined in the Book of Acts that their main responsibilities should be the Word of God and prayer. Prayer has always been the foundation. Most pastors have prayer on the back burner due to the busyness of ministry. They should have a personal prayer life and a corporate prayer life. They need time set aside each day to pray for the church, the community, and their family.
3. Don’t Neglect Your Marriage
One of the marks of a great leader and great ministry is a great marriage. Keeping date nights with their spouse and days set apart for the family should be as much a priority as a church board meeting. The pastor must ensure the church does not distract him from his family. The pastor must block out dedicated time for their spouse and family with no interruptions.
4. Make Time For Your Kids
In the same vein, pastors need to make time for their children. Parenting is one of the hardest things someone will do. Often, leading the church is easier than leading a family! However, the pastor must let their children know they are the most important thing in their lives. This is where investing time with children comes into play. Parents can spend time with their children but not invest in them. However, parents cannot invest in their children without spending time with them.
5. Be a Shepherd, not a Cowboy Leader
Preaching to a congregation and leading a staff are two separate skills. Pastors often remember to be a shepherd to their congregation but act like a “cowboy leader” to the staff.
Larry Osborne from Northcoast Church coined this phrase, “cowboy leader.” A cowboy leader pushes the herd with authority and fear. However, a shepherd leader leads from the front, and the sheep willingly follow because they know the shepherd’s voice. The pastor needs to develop the skill of being a shepherd leader to their staff. Church staff shepherd others, but they need a shepherd themselves. That is where the pastor steps in.
6. Care For Your Congregation
John Maxwell once said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” People don’t just need good sermons; they need to know they are loved. As a church grows, the pastor cannot personally care for everyone, but they are still responsible for having care systems in place for people in their times of need.
Congregants will forget sermons throughout the years but will not forget when a pastor is there for them during a crisis. The more intentional the pastor makes sure people are cared for during a crisis, the more the Sunday sermon will mean to them.
7. Cultivate Your Personal Growth
Many pastors or churches would not put this on the list. Reading leadership books, listening to podcasts, or attending church conferences seems like a hobby. However, it should be in their regular work hours.
An oft-overlooked pastoral responsibility, it is important that pastors stay on the cutting edge of ministry best practices. A church will plateau, decline, and eventually die if the pastor is not intentionally growing too. This means the pastor must invest personally in themselves. They may not be the ones to implement the best practices in a certain department, but they can help feed staff podcasts, books, or various social media groups that focus on those areas of ministry.
Pastoral Responsibilities Are Important
When the leader gets better, the organization gets better. A pastor’s growth in their knowledge of leading the church ultimately helps the church. A good preacher who does not grow in their leadership skills can have a small church. An average preacher who focuses on growing as a leader can have a growing, dynamic church.
There are so many responsibilities that the church and staff need the pastor to perform. Preaching is one of them, but it is not the only one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions pastors might ask:
1. How can pastors effectively manage administrative tasks alongside their spiritual responsibilities?
Balancing administrative duties with spiritual leadership requires pastors to develop strong organizational skills and delegate tasks when appropriate. Implementing time management strategies, such as setting specific times for administrative work and prioritizing tasks, can help maintain this balance. Additionally, involving trusted staff or volunteers in administrative roles allows pastors to focus more on their spiritual responsibilities while ensuring that the church’s operations run smoothly.
2. What role does continuing education play in a pastor’s effectiveness?
Continuing education is vital for pastors to stay informed about theological developments, counseling techniques, and leadership strategies. Engaging in workshops, conferences, and advanced studies enables pastors to enhance their knowledge and skills, which can lead to more effective ministry. This commitment to lifelong learning also demonstrates to the congregation the importance of growth and adaptability in their faith journey.
3. How can pastors support their congregation’s mental health?
Pastors can support their congregation’s mental health by creating an environment where individuals feel safe discussing their struggles. Resources such as support groups, referrals to professional counselors, and sermons that address mental health topics can reduce stigma and encourage seeking help. Additionally, pastors should be attentive to signs of mental distress and provide compassionate guidance to those in need.
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