The Pastor’s Day Off: Try Monday!

Posted on June 23, 2014 by randywhite

Dr. Randy White

I’ve been a pastor long enough to know that there is no single way to live the life of a Pastor that is the “right way.” Each pastor is a human being with a unique set of circumstances. Because of this, each pastor needs a day off. Which day should be the Pastor’s day off?

I grew up in the parsonage. My dad was pastor of New Mexico churches all through my “growing up” years. In those days, it was traditional for both pastors and barbers to take Monday off. (I’m not sure if there is any connection!) As I began to Pastor in the early 1990s, however, Friday had become the day of choice for most Pastors to take as a day off. I took Fridays for almost all of my ministry. It seemed to work well with family, and gave a two-day weekend of Friday and Saturday. It seemed like a good thing. But I more recently began taking Monday off, and I love it.  For my pastor friends, here’s why I think you should join me in taking Monday off.

• It gives the church staff (even if your staff is just a secretary and custodian) a day without you. They will appreciate this more than you know!  They will also grow in their ability to carry on business without you, and thus will be better at what they do.
• You are often on an emotional high or an emotional low on Monday. Taking a day off will give you time to balance and refocus.
• The office is often filled with a thousand little things on Monday. Monday’s are filled with interruption, small-talk, record-keeping, and other mundane matters. Your presence isn’t necessary.
• Friday’s are often more quiet around the church office. You will get more done working on Friday than on Monday.
• Friday’s often have ministry duties that you need to attend to anyway. Fellowships and church events are often on Friday night. Some church members who need to see the Pastor are off on Friday.
• When you’re not ready for Sunday, you end up working on Friday anyway, even if it is from home. When you’re off on Monday, you are much more likely to really be off.
• You won’t be interrupted as much on Monday. Everybody is busy on Monday…too busy to bother you. If you’re off on Monday, they will more likely wait until Tuesday to contact you than if they need you on Friday—few will wait over the weekend.

Try it, Pastor! Take Monday off, work Friday, and rejoice!

A note to church members

I know that there are very few of you who think, “He only works on Sunday!” I have found church members to be very respectful of my time. I can publish my email and my phone number and keep an open door because people are respectful of my time. I appreciate this.

For the few who may not understand the demands on a Pastor’s time, let me remind you that his time has a thousand demands. For most Pastors, Sunday is a 12 hour day, with the possibility of a 30 minute much-needed nap. Wednesday is another 12 hour day. Any good sermon or Bible study preparation takes hours, not minutes. A Pastor can easily spend 6-8 hours of preparation for a sermon or Wednesday night Bible study…and should. I would say that any Pastor who spends less time than that doesn’t really know what the text says nor all the issues of the text, thus they are likely preaching a lot more modern psycho-babble than Biblical exegesis.  With a million other ministry needs, your Pastor’s time is crowded. Encourage him to take a day off to let the mind and body rest. In the end, you’ll both be happier for it!

-------------------------------------------------------
NOTE FROM CMR:
Pastors are the busiest people in the entire church, as a rule. The pressure is tremendous on every level - spiritual, personal, physical, mental, timewise - particularly in mid-life when they have children, grandchildren and even elderly parents to tend to. Often the pastor's wife works and has her own ministry involvements, and sometimes the pastor has another job. 
Stress is the single most identified reason for ministers prematurely leaving the field. Pastors are expected to be super preachers, great administrators, wise counselors, witty, charming, serious, humorous, spiritually mature, and know every 'right' answer to every Bible question. Often they have no confidante with whom to share their problems, making it an even lonelier path. Their families are expected to be good examples to the world on a 24/7 basis, including their marriages, their parenting skills, etc.  All problems are expected to be successfully negotiated - and out of sight. 
The only reason any man would (or should) take on this job is in response to a direct call from God. Love your pastor and family, always think twice before speaking about 'issues' and be patient with him. Not every last issue needs to be discussed with the pastor. Be kind and supportive and let them know that you appreciate them. Most of all, PRAY always for your pastor and wife. And let them know you do. It will be a great encouragement and a token of your spiritual support at the deepest level of their lives.

If we held ourselves to as high a standard as we hold our pastors, 

there would be a dramatic upturn in 

discernment and spiritual maturty in the body of Christ.

 ROYAL HEIR, P.K.

Christians & The Supernatural (Pastors, Leaders Need This Info)

NOTE: On the previous post Russ Dizdar's site address was wrong. It is www.shatterthedarkness.net.

 UFO Deception - Pastor Billy Crone Interviewed 

(Recently appeared in the movie, "Standing Firm")

 

Part 2 of above: The Countdown 

 

&

Gary Stearman (www.prophecyinthenews.com) interviews Cris Putnam, author of The Supernatural Worldview (link) and co-author with Tom Horn of Exo-Vaticana

Christians and the Supernatural

 

 

Why Are So Many Pastors Committing Suicide?

Another tragic commentary revealing the sad state of the church. Pray for your pastor. CMR

 

12:30PM EST 12/11/2013 Jennifer LeClaire More than 2 million adult Americans made a suicide plan in the past year, and about half that many went through with the plan. (Stock.xchng)

In another church tragedy, Pastor Isaac Hunter—the son of the spiritual adviser to President Obama—has reportedly taken his own life. Hunter’s death is making national headlines because of his megachurch father Pastor Joel Hunter’s influence on the White House, his marriage troubles and an undated suicide note found last year, but his death is far from the only pastoral suicide in recent months.

Just days ago, a pastor who was grieving his dead wife reportedly shot himself in front of his mother and son, expressing that he was hearing his dead spouse’s voice and footsteps. Pastor Ed Montgomery and his late wife, prophetess Jackie Montgomery, served at the Full Gospel Assemblies International church in Hazel Crest, Ill.

In November, a Georgia pastor killed himself in between Sunday services. Larrinecia Sims Parker, wife of the Rev. Teddy Parker Jr., found the pastor in the driveway of their home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Houston County coroner Danny Galpin reports.

Why the sudden rash of pastors committing suicide? Suicide is not a new problem among clergy, but three known suicides in less than two months begs a deeper look at the issue.

There is no lack of statistics about pastors and depression, burnout, health, low pay, spirituality, relationships and longevity—and none of them are good. According to the Schaeffer Institute, 70 percent of pastors constantly fight depression, and 71 percent are burned out. Meanwhile, 72 percent of pastors say they only study the Bible when they are preparing for sermons; 80 percent believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families; and 70 percent say they don’t have a close friend.

The Schaeffer Institute also reports that 80 percent of seminary and Bible school graduates will leave the ministry within five years. It’s not clear how many commit suicide, but it is clear that pastors are not immune to it. Psychologists point to several reasons why people commit suicide, from depression to psychosis to stressful life situations. But one thing is certain: Whatever drives someone to take their own life ultimately begins in the mind. Suicidal thoughts precede suicide.

“Suicidal thoughts have numerous causes," according to Mayo Clinic. "Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling like you can’t cope when you’re faced with what seems to be an overwhelming life situation. If you don’t have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution. You may experience a sort of tunnel vision, where in the middle of a crisis you believe suicide is the only way out.” 

As it turns out, suicidal thoughts are not uncommon. Nearly 8.3 million adults age 18 and older in the United States—that’s 3.7 percent—had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, according to a study called "Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Adults > 18 Years" released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although some suicides are impulsive, most are planned out. More than 2 million adult Americans made a suicide plan in the past year, and about half that many went through with the plan.

Again, suicide starts with a thought. Indeed, every action we take starts with a thought. As one who struggled with depression for years, I am not trying to oversimplify the solution, but rather merely point out one contributing factor. Many of the harmful actions we take originate from the seed of a thought Satan whispers to our souls. That seed grows as our minds reason out the benefits of acting on the thought. For those contemplating suicide,I believe the seed grows in their minds as they reason themselves out of living because life’s circumstances are too overwhelming.

When the enemy plants a vain imagination in our minds, we have two choices: cast it down or meditate on it. When we meditate on vain imaginations, we tend to connect demonic dots that create skewed pictures of reality. Believing what we see in our thought life is real, we talk ourselves into taking action based on a wrong perception. Although there are issues of chemical imbalances, I believe this is what happens with many suicides. The enemy plants a seed in the form of a thought that an already distraught soul doesn’t discern as a demonic attack on their life.

If we want to win the battle against suicide in the pulpit and the pew, we need to, among many other things, take ahold of Scriptures that instruct us about the battle in our mind. Paul told us, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Cor. 10:4-6). No one can take your thoughts captive for you, but you can take your own thoughts captive, and it starts with girding up the loins of your mind (1 Pet. 1:13).

Paul also offered this advice: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9). If we do what the Word says—if we meditate on what the Word tells us to meditate on—the enemy’s seeds won’t take root in our souls.

If you see your pastor or anyone else struggling with depression or hear them speak disturbing thoughts that aren’t in line with the Word of God, pray and ask God what He would have you do. Then do it. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and the enemy is targeting our spiritual leaders in this hour. Let’s rise up and battle against this disturbing trend in the name of Jesus.

Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma. She is also the author of several books, including The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel. You can email Jennifer at  jennifer.leclaire@charismamedia.com or visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

Did you enjoy this blog? Click here to receive it by email.

http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/42063-why-are-so-many-pastors-committing-suicide?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Delicious/christianheadlines/opinion+%28Christian+Headlines+-+Opinion%29

When Pastors Aren’t Able to Pastor

by Jim Elliff [1]

October 7, 2013

The church is medium-sized in attendance, yet, on paper the membership roll is even larger. Its solo pastor is a frustrated man. There are some good days, and certainly some fine people who encourage him, but he’s frustrated because the job God called him to do just cannot be done. He has many people to tend to, numbers of which are missing, and even those who are present are more than any average man could possibly care for—that is, reallycare for.

So, this good-hearted, spiritually-minded pastor lapses into frustration over his inability to do much more than put out fires. And there are plenty of those.

 

He tries to project the view that he is a true shepherd of all the people. He speaks in warm terms to those attending on Sundays, and to all of the people through the church’s regular publications. The website shows him as if he were the best friend and confidant of all the members, constantly attending to their spiritual growth, mentoring, guiding, and comforting. But the blurb under his photo is only a wish and not a reality. He actually is only able to pastor an inner core on that level—perhaps twenty to thirty, at most. He sometimes thinks that his loving words are no different than those of the TV preacher who looks into the camera [2] and acts as if he is directly speaking to the listener as his dearest friend. He has become a pastor who is not able to pastor.

 

Across town is the fastest growing church. They are driven by entertainment, appealing music, and a large staff. Sometimes his members visit there, just out of curiosity or perhaps out of the need to have a little relief from the sedate experience they are used to. When a special event comes to the mega-church, perhaps several of his members attend, including his own children. It often adds to his frustration, though he would not say much about it.

 

The pastor of the mega-church expresses his love for the people also. In fact, he may be better at saying it than the pastor of the smaller church. His website portrays him in several photos and videos as a caring, magnanimous friend of the people, who all smile and love him.

 

Yet, if the truth were known, the fast-growing church has more of a pastor/people gap than the smaller church. And in that church even a higher percentage of the people do not attend. It is not necessarily because the large church pastor is any more or less interested in shepherding people. He can hardly be blamed for the fact that people love to hear him speak and that his staff is able to carry out programs that attract. Yet, behind the scenes, the larger church pastor is often frustrated as well. As he reads the Bible, he sees that there is much he is not doing that God requires of him. He gets accolades from the people, more than the first pastor, but before God he often feels he’s a failure—and that the size of his church only amplifies his failings.

 

What can be done?

Perhaps the problem here is not in the pastors themselves, but in the structure of the churches. They are designed for pastoral separation from the people, and all the more so as they grow. The solutions would have much to do with multiplying pastors, decentralizing, and dividing the church into pastoral units, not in a corporate business way, but into true manageable cells led by qualified men. The early church did this naturally, by multiplying house churches. But that solution may never come, if it is even envisioned by these men and their churches. Suppose the macro-solution then is not possible. What else could be done? Especially, what could be done by you, the person who needs a pastor for your own spiritual well-being and growth?

 

Here are some ways you can help overcome the pastor/member gap:

 

1.       Work harder at knowing your pastor. If he is not able, due to time, to pour his life into you in a personal way, don’t just give up and remain distant. Men, invite him to your home, take him out to lunch, become his encourager. He will, in turn, carry on a certain level of mentorship just because it is in his spiritual genes to do so. Women, this first point will not work as well for you for obvious reasons if you are single or your husband does not attend, yet remaining as appropriately friendly as possible is always an improvement.

 

2.       Build relationships with others who have potential to increase your faith and improve your walk with God. Perhaps there is a man and his wife in the church who would be on the pastoral team if such a team existed. Seek to draw out spiritual help and understanding of Scripture from them, and reciprocate by encouraging them and serving them in practical ways.

3.       Take on a discipleship role yourself. Look around to see who could be helped by your ministry to them. Approach them on a friendship level. Then after getting together, depending on how well you work with each other, figure out a way to be together regularly for Bible study and prayer, even if all you can do is read the Bible, comment and pray.

 

4.       Take on some of the difficult people of the church and seek to meet their needs. In churches, it is often the case that just one person demands almost all the pastor’s time that is available. And when he is not around, the pastor’s wife may have the privilege. Share that load with your pastor. Talk with him to see if he has suggestions as to how you can free him by helping out.

 

5.       Finally, offer your services to your pastor personally. Both men and women may be helpful in appropriate ways. Ask him how you may serve him in extending his care for others. It might mean making hospital visits, checking on widows, phoning members, or making contact with guests who’ve come to visit the church.

 

If only a few church members live out some or all of the above suggestions—perhaps if even one does it—significant improvement will be made in the church you love.

 

Copyright © 2013  Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
Other uses require written permission.www.ccwtoday.org [3]

- See more at: http://www.ccwtoday.org/article/when-pastors-arent-able-to-pastor/#sthas... [4]


[NOTE: SOME OFTHE COMMENTS ON THE ABOVE ARTICLE WERE INTERESTING AND CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/news/article/when-pastors-aren%E2%80%99t-able-pastor         CMR]