|
REALITY CHECK TIME
By Pastor Dan Kohn - District Counselor
"I'm fine." This two-word reply is one of the most common given by pastors (and other harried folks) to the frequent question - "So how are you doing?"
Let's "freeze-frame" this brief encounter. Now let's "reframe" it for a different outcome. Let's say that the conversation went deeper (rare as that is):
"No, pastor, I mean, how are you really doing?"
Now let's create some "grace space" for a real honest sharing by this "all-too-normal" pastor. Put yourself in this "grace space." What would you share, given this chance to be truly honest about how things are going on the inside (i.e. heart, mind and soul stuff), as you appreciate the true concern of this listening partner?
As you contemplate your response as a pastor, consider these insights compiled by Tony Cooke Ministries regarding the "health" of today's pastors:
+1500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure,
spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches.
+80% of pastors and 84% of their spouses feel unqualified and
discouraged in their role as pastor.
+50% are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they
could but they have no other way of making a living.
+85% said their greatest problem is they are sick and tired of dealing with problem people such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, board members, and associate pastors.
+90% said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with
uncooperative people.
+80% of pastor's spouses wish their spouse would choose another
profession.
+70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor.
+70% of pastors constantly fight depression.
+80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry
will leave within the first 5 years.
A key question arises from this "reality check" of pastors - Do we need to redefine what "normal" is for pastors today?
Said differently - Do we need to get rid of the stereotype that every pastor is "confident and healthy?" Is it possible that the norm is far closer to - "browning-out"..."burning-out"...and, "getting-out?"
The demands of parish ministry are real! The opportunities for "relief" and "renewal" are rarely accessed by pastors...and rarely offered by churches.
How many pastors are wandering "suffering shepherds" struggling with the "dark "D's" interwoven into "normal" ministry--Disappointment, Discouragement and Despair? How many have lost sight of the God whom King David spoke of - the One who
"...lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and the mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:2)
Perhaps many more would echo the thoughts of another, ancient psalmist-
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice." (Psalm 130:1-2a)
How many have given up listening for God's response? How many have given up their "hope in the Lord"...and no longer "soar on wings like eagles" (Isaiah 40:31a). For these, the "run" is full of weariness...even in their "walk," they are prone to "faint" (vs.31b).
God's welcome mat is still out. The signs on the door remain just as inviting-
"...let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance." (Proverbs 1:5)
""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest."" (Jesus) (Matthew 11:28)
There is room to venture out of the "mud and mire"...back to that "firm place to stand." The "path" offered by God is to seek His "counsel" (Psalm 73:24a)...as He would make that readily available to all who humbly admit - "I am not fine."
Now the threshold has been crossed. Now there is room for God, and other caregivers whom He will make available, to intervene toward restored hope.
| 
