lifeasmission

To Pastor or Not to Pastor…

February 20, 2006

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do when I grow up, which, by the way, will take place in just a few short months! Several people have mentioned that I should think about being a pastor. I have mixed emotions when I hear this. Here’s some of my thoughts.

Why I don’t want to be a pastor:

– Pastors are typically responsible for ensuring the numerical growth of a congregation
– Pastors tend to stand apart from the rest of the congregation
– Pastors tend to be way down the list of people to turn to in times of confusion and need
– Pastors tend to receive a salary and therefore are expected to keep the machine running
– Pastors are expected to have all the answers
– Pastors are supposed to be able to do any job in the church
– Pastors study so they have something to say to people on Sunday
– Pastors have to dress up (except Rick Warren!)

Why I want to pastor:

– Pastoring involves the holistic care of a group of people
– Pastoring involves the cultivation of trusting and mutually edifying relationships and makes one vulnerable
– Pastoring involves going to people in times of confusion and need
– Pastoring assumes an ability to say the hard things when necessary
– Pastoring allows for being able to say “I don’t know”
– Pastoring is one need amongst many
– Pastoring means being able to say the right thing at the right time
– Pastoring doesn’t necessitate dressing up

Know any good, missional church communities who are looking for people to pastor as opposed to be a pastor?

Posted in: church, decisions, missional