Pastors Are People Too

May 6, 2008 in Random Thoughts 6

It has been an interesting few days here at conference. Every time I attend something like this, I am reminded that pastors battle the same insecurities and uncertainties as anyone else. Sometimes it’s easy to hide it. After all, most pastors can be outgoing when necessary. It’s part of the job, so to speak. But stick them in a room with a whole bunch of their peers, and these same guys can find their shyness rise to the top. 

I know a lot of people at an event like this. If I want, I can generally hook up with someone for lunch or supper. But I’m always amazed at the number of guys who sit by themselves, unable to initiate conversations with others, build relationships, and establish friendships that go beyond the conference. It’s sad really. 

I look around at approximately 1000 credential holders gathered for this conference, and I see all kinds of people. And most importantly, that’s what they are: people. They have their struggles, insecurities, joys, pleasures, hopes and dreams. Some sit and look at the “successful” guys and wish they were able to do half of what they do. Some are filled with envy and wonder why “that guy” gets all the breaks. And some are genuinely happy and excited when they see others succeed and grow. 

I do wish that lay people could see this side of “ministry” from time to time. I think many would be quite surprised at what it’s really like.

Anyway, just rambling.

  • JC

    I am frequently reminded by my dear wife that I expect too much from pastors, and when they don’t deliver I am disappointed, frustrated, and disillusioned. Well yes I do hold pastors to a higher standard, because I sincerely believe that while pastors are “human”, God expect more out of them because of their position.I’ve known several pastors from over the past 30 years.It has been my GENERAL observation, that most pastors are very uncomfortable one on one. I’ve known some that because they were so long in youth ministry, they could not relate to adults.I’ve known others that seem to run like a pack with only a super tight set of friends, almost keeping a fence of protection around themselves. So the question is which came first, the ministry made these guys like this, or guys like this are attracted to the ministry?

  • JC

    I am frequently reminded by my dear wife that I expect too much from pastors, and when they don’t deliver I am disappointed, frustrated, and disillusioned. Well yes I do hold pastors to a higher standard, because I sincerely believe that while pastors are “human”, God expect more out of them because of their position.I’ve known several pastors from over the past 30 years.It has been my GENERAL observation, that most pastors are very uncomfortable one on one. I’ve known some that because they were so long in youth ministry, they could not relate to adults.I’ve known others that seem to run like a pack with only a super tight set of friends, almost keeping a fence of protection around themselves. So the question is which came first, the ministry made these guys like this, or guys like this are attracted to the ministry?

  • http://jonathanturtle.wordpress.com jt*

    hey JC…Jesus Christ? kidding, i’m sure he’d probably be on blogger as opposed to wordpress.
    anyways, JC, i’m curious, what do you mean when you say, “God expect more out of them because of their position”? i think that too often pastors wield (sp?) power over others and give off the aroma that they are somehow “above” the rest of the congregation. is this at all related to you saying that pastors have a particular “position”?
    from my understanding of scripture (and what i consider to be ideal “leadership”) pastors are chosen from among the people. in other words, pastors aren’t on a separate level than the rest of the people, rather, they are chosen from among the people and therefore, they can only really make sense in the context of relationship with the body.
    rev, what bothers me about your post and from my observations at conference (i was there on wednesday) is that some guys were alone. however, the part that bugs me is not that they were “unable to initiate conversations with others, build relationships, and establish friendships that go beyond the conference” but that others didn’t reach out to those that were flying solo at the conference. whats up with that?
    grace and peace.
    jt

  • http://jonathanturtle.wordpress.com jt*

    hey JC…Jesus Christ? kidding, i’m sure he’d probably be on blogger as opposed to wordpress.
    anyways, JC, i’m curious, what do you mean when you say, “God expect more out of them because of their position”? i think that too often pastors wield (sp?) power over others and give off the aroma that they are somehow “above” the rest of the congregation. is this at all related to you saying that pastors have a particular “position”?
    from my understanding of scripture (and what i consider to be ideal “leadership”) pastors are chosen from among the people. in other words, pastors aren’t on a separate level than the rest of the people, rather, they are chosen from among the people and therefore, they can only really make sense in the context of relationship with the body.
    rev, what bothers me about your post and from my observations at conference (i was there on wednesday) is that some guys were alone. however, the part that bugs me is not that they were “unable to initiate conversations with others, build relationships, and establish friendships that go beyond the conference” but that others didn’t reach out to those that were flying solo at the conference. whats up with that?
    grace and peace.
    jt

  • http://www.bikerschurch.com bikerrob

    JT, I agree with your observation. I’ve been on both sides of that experience. It’s tough … this year, I went to conference and met some people that I’ve been emailing with for years (in some cases 12 years). We had never met face to face. So, we spent a good deal of time together because of that connection. As a result, I had little time to spend trying to meet new people.
    Perhaps it’s important to build those relationships outside of conference … I think the PPC mailing list is absolutely helpful for that reason.

  • http://www.bikerschurch.com bikerrob

    JT, I agree with your observation. I’ve been on both sides of that experience. It’s tough … this year, I went to conference and met some people that I’ve been emailing with for years (in some cases 12 years). We had never met face to face. So, we spent a good deal of time together because of that connection. As a result, I had little time to spend trying to meet new people.
    Perhaps it’s important to build those relationships outside of conference … I think the PPC mailing list is absolutely helpful for that reason.