Time to rant. Some of you aren't going to like this one.
Many of us tend to put professions into molds. Think about what you and your friends talk about when the word 'policeman' comes up. What about 'attorney?' 'Mechanic?' 'Over-the-Road Truck Driver?' 'Senator?' 'Used Car Salesman?' 'Taxi Driver?' 'Hairdresser?'
Come on. You know you were thinking in a few stereotypical molds when you read some of those.
Let's try one more. 'Pastor.'
What mold comes to mind? You won't hurt my feelings. I can't be offended (anymore).
Wait. You don't have to say it; I'll say it for you.
1 - Perfect
OK. Maybe that was the last thing you were thinking, but a lot of people expect this, even if they don't admit it. Pastors should be practically all-knowing - all-present - no personal schedule - love everybody - no weaknesses or character flaws - compassionate and grace-filled to a fault - unshakable integrity - faith like Noah - the kind found only in fiction and
Little House on the Prairie.
2 - Medicinal
The Bible does say churches are for the sick, right? That doesn't make all pastors doctors. But folks expect you to make them better regardless of whether they take the medicine or not.
3 - Therapeutic
... only less expensive than the 'real' counselor down the street. Honestly, I've said it before but it's true. I have a basic, three-step short method for counseling:
A - What's the problem?
B - What does Jesus say to do about it?
C - Are you going to do that?
I got no plan B. Sometimes people are looking for expert advice with no ongoing obligation.
4 - Instructive
I like this one, actually. It suits me, but it's still a mold. I had a friend once say to me, after finishing a meeting:
'Do you have to teach all the time, even in meetings?' I didn't know I did that, but maybe I do.
5 - Friendly
Some think the role of pastor is to be nice to everyone - hang out at Starbucks - laugh - be social and fun 24/7.
Joelene and I love going to people's homes - (I hope we continue getting invited) - but one of the frustrating elements of ministry is figuring out how to fulfill all the invitations to 'do dinner' or 'come over' or 'attend parties.' I fear I end up disappointing too many people because I wasn't a good enough friend.
6 - Handy
Pastors fix things that are broken. Anything. Everything. Problem with your student? Call the pastor. Problem with your marriage? Call the pastor. Problem with your job? Call the pastor. Problem with your sink? Call the pastor. (It's happened.) He can fix it. I admit it feels really great to be needed, but I'll be the first to say I don't know how to fix all this stuff.
'May God help us be ourselves while endeavoring to be what He has called us to be.'
7 - Magical
Like Gandalf. Pastors are people who have power to do all kinds of amazing and mysterious things. We're closer to God than you are, everybody knows that. Some believe we can exercise our spiritual power at will, snap our fingers, say a quick prayer, and
voila! Boom. Done. No.
8 - Multi-Tasking
People want pastors to provide visionary leadership, effective team management, be a whiz at handling budgets, look, dress and smell nice, know about cost-saving building innovations, be an architect and contractor, speak like Billy Graham, marry, bury, counsel, coach, understand what the fourth toenail on the beast in Revelation is all about, be able to predict within 3 days when Jesus is returning, and be the poster boy of the local church's best personal evangelist - and that's just Monday. Not happening.
9 - Parental
Pastors are infused with a parental aura, especially if they are old enough to have grown children. I like that most of the time. I've grown into it. But sometimes people project their parental 'stuff' onto pastors and that can be dangerously problematic, not to mention a no-win for everybody.
May God help us be ourselves while endeavoring to be what He has called us to be.
And be blessed.