Three Things Every Pastor Must do Every Year
1, 2, 3 is as easy as A B C!
Surveys are all over the place regarding pastors and their challenging ministry. The numbers are startling:
· 250 to 1700 ministers leave their vocation every month.
· 50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years.
· 1 out of every 10 pastors will actually retire as a minister.
· 43% of ministers say they are highly stressed
· 35% are dealing with depression
· 54% of pastors say they work between 55 and 75 hours per week.
· 28% say they are spiritually undernourished
· 3% distant from their families
· 95% percent say they do not pray regularly with their spouse.
If you are in the ministry you will have difficult days and will deal with difficult people in difficult circumstances. Almost monthly I hear of a pastor leaving the ministry or receiving a phone call from a struggling pastor. Whatever the reason, it happens. Unfortunately, many do not know where to turn.
Through 4 decades of ministry I have learned there are three things that a pastor needs to do every year. If you will do these things without fail your preaching will improve, pastoral inspiration will continue and your personal intimacy quotient will excel.
- ATTEND a preaching conference. It is difficult to effectively feed the flock if you are not fed yourself. Spending time in the Word, studying and meditating the Scripture are key components to your spiritual nourishment. Every professional must have time away from daily responsibilities for edification, education and inspiration. Ministers are no exception. I will state it simply. You not only preach but you need to sit under the preaching of others. There God will speak to you and inspire you. Your main focus will be to listen and hear God speak to you. This is not a time to take notes for future sermons but a time to spiritually renew, refresh and yes sometimes repent. Great preaching conferences abound. Find one that fits you and make sure you attend one every year. I want you to schedule that conference this week.
- BUILD a relationship with a Mentor. 84% of pastors, desire to have a close fellowship with someone they can confide and trust. We have teachers through life but mentors are lifelong teachers. They do not come and go. They are trusted advisors whose sole purpose is to guide us to the next step, the next stage and to advise us through life; thick or thin they are always ‘all in”. If you do not have that person in your life then you need to find your mentor. Traveling through life solo is a recipe for danger, depression and disaster. My mentors have always lived states away from me and I have found that to be a great benefit. If you do not have a mentor make a few phone calls, ask former professors, friends and fellow pastors to recommend someone. Schedule that call tomorrow morning.
- COMMIT to a personal prayer retreat. You have heard about IQ and EQ but what about your personal intimacy quotient? A quotient is the number of times one quantity is contained in another. PIQ has three main components: Closeness, Communication and Commitment. Closeness means no barriers, holding nothing back and complete transparency. Closeness is achieved when you know the other person accepts you as you are—for better or worse. Communication is expressing how you feel and listening to the other person in kind. Commitment occurs when we believe in something so strongly we bond to a lifetime involvement that motivates us daily. It is imperative to schedule a yearly prayer retreat with only you, your spouse and God. (no children, family or friends allowed). Plan your retreat together and let nothing interrupt it. God is waiting for you to join Him!
Now you have your “To Do List” Start on it today. Schedule your time today and remember: Great leaders are made in silent moments.
I am writing you from our scheduled retreat in the majestic mountains! The aroma of that afternoon cup of community coffee is calling me aside. Watch for my next blog as we explore the keys to leadership.