Pastors Have Trouble Receiving These 10 Tough Pieces of Advice

We are to love as Christ loves us—unconditionally. (Pixabay)

The last thing pastors need is someone to offer them advice.

I know. They receive "advice" every day of the week. Some of it is well intended. Some of it is not. All of it cumulatively is overwhelming.

It is thus difficult for me to pile on. But I do want pastors to hear those pieces of advice that are really difficult to heed. And they are difficult, even if pastors know they are true.

  1. Love your members unconditionally. That's all of your members. Even that deacon who told you that you had no business being in ministry. Even that ministry director who told you God told her it's time for you to leave. We are to love as Christ loves us—unconditionally.
  2. Don't focus on your critics. This one is really challenging. They are the constant ringing in our ears. They are squeaky wheels. Enough of the metaphors. It's hard not to jump when a critic barks.
  3. Make the tough personnel decisions sooner rather than later. It won't get any better. It won't get any easier.
  4. Accept that you won't be loved by everyone. I've gotten to the point in my life that I'm OK with a simple majority. I'm just not sure I have it!
  5. Put those things on your calendar that you often neglect. You know what I'm talking about: Family. Devotional time. Gospel conversations. Don't neglect the best for the good.
  6. Accept the lows of ministry as normal. If you haven't been attacked by critics, you probably aren't leading. If you haven't been torn up by a family tragedy, you need a heart transplant. You will have lows. It's a part of ministry. It's a part of life.
  7. Don't compare your church to others. Your church is not that other church. Bigger is not better. Newer is not cooler. God has you at your church at this time for a reason. Find joy in that reality.
  8. Learn to be content. That green grass is someone else's brown grass. Unless God clearly, very clearly, calls otherwise, be content where He has placed you in ministry. Even be excited about it.
  9. Learn to rejoice always. It's healthy. It's biblical. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" I'm glad the translator added the exclamation point.
  10. Have fun. Life is too short to stay in the doldrums and focus on the negative. Our ministries are a brief but incredible time to make an eternal difference. Love it all. Have fun. Lighten up. Learn to smile.

Such is my counsel. Such are my admonitions to you pastors.

By the way, you who serve the churches are my heroes. I hope you know how much I appreciate you, admire you and pray for you.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Thom S. Rainer is the president of LifeWay Christian Resources.

This article originally appeared at thomrainer.com.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.



Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.

Charisma Leader — Serving and empowering church leaders