Pastors: Users, Abusers, or Stewards?
A Journey Survey of Staff Pastors – Part II
Two weeks ago, Journey published the first of a two-part survey on the relationship between lead and staff pastors. In that article, we presented the responses of staff pastors to two questions:
Question One – USE: How have your lead pastors used you well – made good use of you in leading your church ministries, seeing you as people and ministers?
Question Two – ABUSE: How have lead pastors abused you – using you like objects to accomplish their goals, unconcerned for you as people or called ministers?
You can read this article by clicking here.
In this second article, we present respondents’ answers to our third survey question, one that looks at how lead pastors steward their pastoral staffs
Once again, our respondents included Journey members and non-Journey members; all respondents presently serve or have in the recent past served as staff pastors.
MASTER PASTOR JESUS
Luke’s parable of the faithful steward (Luke 12.42-48) holds several important lessons for us on the subject of being faithful stewards in the eyes of God as we lead our pastoral staffs:
1. We do not own our staff pastors, but are leaders who care for and make godly healthy use of them as those who belong to God – “the master puts them in charge over his household” – v.42
2. To steward is to provide appropriate care for those whom God has entrusted to us – “they give their servants their portion of food at the proper time” – v.42
3. To steward is to exercise and grow in wisdom in making best use of what has been entrusted to us – “But if the servant says in his heart . . .” – v.45
4. The owner of what we steward expects a return on this trust: we are to invest it and invest in it so as to maximize the return to the owner – “to whom much is entrusted, much more is required” – v.48
5. Ultimately, our staff does not serve us, they serve The Master, the Lord God. It is our place to help them do so well as a part of the “household” or church we lead (steward) – vs.42-48
STEWARD
Question Three – Steward: How have lead pastors made good use of you in your church’s ministry, seeing them as people and ministers; but even more, you invest in them for this ministry moment and for a lifetime of healthy and effective ministry wherever they serve in the future?
As was true in our first article, there were many similar or duplicate responses. We have removed or combined these for the sake of space.
Staff pastors’ responses:
My Lead Pastor:
“Prays for my family and me daily; I know he does because he tells me so and he actually prays with me.”
“Meets with me regularly to take care of ministry business, but also to invest in me.”
“We read and discuss books together.”
“Gives me a seat at a table… does not just expect me to be a “yes” man.”
“Schedules times or even spontaneously takes our staff out for coffee or lunch, not for work but just to be together, talk, and laugh.”
“Goes out of his way to build a relationship with me; he says he enjoys this time, so this means a lot.”
“Works with the church board to take care of my family financially.”
“Resources me – gives me books, sends me to a conference, makes me take Word and prayer retreats.”
“Introduces me to the people he walks with, his mentors and peers; this is a great opportunity for me to be challenged and grow.”
“Isn’t threatened by me walking with a pastoral coach, but encourages me to do so. Very secure. I think that’s going to help me be secure when I serve as a lead pastor.”
“Looks me in the eye and listens when we talk. He asks great follow-up questions that make me think.”
“Treats me with respect as minister; I know he is the lead pastor, but it means a lot that he recognizes God’s call on my life and respects that.”
“Allows me to be the “expert” in the area that I was hired in.”
“Never misses a birthday in my family. My pastors have even publicly recognized us in front of the congregation on our big days.”
“Encourages me to accept ministry opportunities outside our church – serving in our Network, working with other youth pastors in our city, officiating weddings and funerals for people who don’t attend our church.”
“Entrusts ministry to me according to my abilities – preaching, meetings, even representing him at events.”
“Critiques me and my ministry – not criticizes, but critiques. He genuinely wants me to grow, and not just for while I’m here at this church, but for the rest of my ministry.”
“Works with me one-on-one to help me grow as a disciple, preacher, communicator.”
“Takes the pastoral team on staff retreats.”
“Is intentional in developing personal relationship with staff pastors and their families.”
“Supports and celebrates what God is doing in staff pastors’ spiritual lives, areas of ministry, and personal victories.”
“Involves me in conversations about church vision, planning, problem solving, and series/message preparation.”
“Forces me to use all my vacation time each year.”
“Allows me comp time throughout the week when we have ministry duties on typical days off.”
“Is willing to have honest and open conversation about frustrations, desires and tough subjects without having to worry about job security or relational harm. This is also built by trust in each other’s character and heart.”
FINAL THOUGHT
Consider again the unlimited opportunity lead pastors have to positively affect the kingdom of God and the world by stewarding their pastoral staff members wisely and well.
By investing all they can in staff pastors, lead pastors give their churches pastoral team members at their very best, staff members who are then able to give their very best in their service to God through ministry to the local church.
But that’s not all. Not only is the wise stewardship of staff pastors a gift to our local church here and now, but it is a gift, even an investment in the eternal kingdom of God. As we steward well each member of our team, we are helping them grow and build for a lifetime of healthy and effective ministry wherever they serve in the years to come.
Finally, and not at all a small thing, as a lead pastor takes time to build relationships with staff members, pour into their lives, and learn from them, lead pastors are enriched – sharing the journey of life in ministry with our team is its own reward.
So, pastor, the ball is in your court. Before you is an opportunity to give a great gift to your church, make a rewarding investment in the Kingdom of God, and know the joy of the shared journey – AND, have the joy of seeing a young minister not only survive the early years but thrive, growing from strength to strength as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus. Anyway you look at it, it’s a win for everyone.
Saddled with large student debt, just beginning to set up homes and start families, and serving in low paying first and second positions, Millennials are those who most desire but can least afford to pay for pastoral coaching.
We are able to do so thanks to the faithful and generous support of individuals and churches like yours who want to see young leaders not only enter the ministry, but remain in the ministry.
Now, more than ever, we need your help.
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