I’ve now shared with you 6 of the 8 most challenging situations for a pastor. I’ll share the last two issues and then bring closure to these postings today.
Challenge # 7 Raising money can be a nightmare for many pastors. We’re (blanked) if we do, and we’re (blanked) if we don’t! People are very sensitive to the church asking for money because it is many people’s perspective that’s all we do. If the truth be told, more pastors “fear” talking about money than those in the minority that overly challenge people in their financial stewardship.
Challenge # 8 Embracing change is the last challenge that I’m going to address. This may be the most important challenge of all those addressed. Although it is believed by many pastors that church people are unwilling to change to bring about growth, I’ve noted something different. I’ve noted that pastors are just as resistant to change as their church people are. We must all continue being change agents so that we can “keep pace with the Holy Spirit”.
Certainly this is not an all inclusive list of issues, but it surely is an accurate statement of challenges that all leaders experience when they’re attempting to grow an organization. It can be very frustrating because of the passion and vision of their hearts for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
May God help us not look at others. May He help us “own” our stuff. And may we not deflect, nor “blame shift” and become victims. When we accept responsibility for what happens we become empowered to make the necessary changes.
May His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Make it a great weekend and I’ll catch up with you on Monday.
Until then…
JPF
Yup. All good issues and comments. Well stated. Raising money is one of the toughest. That is one of the hardest issues I have and is one that I am now confronting head on. I can no longer support and build the Ministry singlehandedly with monies earned from my own emplotment beyond the tithes and offerings that are already coming in. I know that I need to lovingly instruct those that come to the various Bible Studies and services that they are required to support the work some way financially. This is God’s way. Ooohhhh how I wish it grew on trees brother . . . but it doesn’t so if I don’t speak up I’ll starve and the Ministry will not grow. That is simply God’s way. And, over time, those who will not or refuse to give, they will not grow, they will not receive from the Word either. Their growth will be seriously stunted. That’s the long and short of it. It’s not money that is evil, and talking about it is not evil, although at times it is uncomfortable. Look at some of those cable channel ministries, most of them aren’t bashful asking for and receiving tons of money. And here we are, small ministries struggling to serve God with the crumbs that fall from people’s tables. Nope, I do not believe that’s what God wants for us brother pastor. So, I have resolved to follow what He has instucted for us in His Word and be a little more bold, a little more forthright and talk up the money factor and ask folks to give in a Biblical manner so that we can function in a Biblical manner. So be it! Amen. God bless you Patrick . . . keep up the good work!