Pastors Are People TooSample

Pastors: There Are No Two Alike

When you have sat with as many pastors as I have one thing becomes crystal clear - they are all different. In fact, aside from a commitment to Jesus and their call to ministry, I cannot think of another trait common to them all.

At SonScape Retreats we use the Myers-Briggs Temperament Indicator to help pastors and their spouses answer the question, “Do you know who you are?” The most common type for pastors attending our retreats is ENFP (Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving). The second most common type for a pastor attending SonScape is the exact opposite type - ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging). My point is that God calls all types of people into ministry! There is no one size that fits all.

Some pastors are great preachers. They can make God’s Word come alive on a Sunday morning. But that same person may struggle with knowing how to administrate an organization. For others, administration comes naturally, but preaching may be more difficult.

There are pastors who are compassionate caregivers. They remember the names and stories of people. In a crisis they know exactly what to say and do. Other pastors hate making hospital visits and are always a little awkward when it comes to a crisis. But when it comes to vision casting or creating a strategic plan, they are in their ‘sweet spot’.

I am a visionary and a dreamer. I can inspire people to believe the seemingly impossible is possible. But when it comes to follow through and administration, I need some help. I am grateful for the people who have come alongside me in those areas, because they’ve help make my ministry effective and exciting.

Pastors have different personalities, giftings, backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses. There is no one pastor that can be what everyone in a congregation wants in a pastor. Far too often pastors burn themselves out trying to satisfy everyone’s desires. It cannot be done. It should not even be attempted. In the end, what is lost is the pastor’s own God-given, God-loved personality.

Affirm your pastor’s interests and hobbies outside ministry. Let him know that as one church member you want your pastor to engage in those activities. His uniqueness goes beyond his pastoral gifts into the totality of life.

Some Ways You Can Help

Gaining understanding and giving appreciation. A new pastor will not be the same as the former pastor. He or she may be more gifted or less gifted but will not be the same. Comparisons help no one! Work to understand your pastor. Then offer appreciation in areas of strength and passion rather than criticisms about the things they lack. Appreciate them as unique individuals, not just pastors. If they like to fish, ask them about fishing. If their love is music, talk to them about music. Let them know they are more than a pastor in your eyes.

Providing opportunities to develop both their strengths and areas where growth is needed. There are so many great places to develop skills and techniques for ministry. Make sure your pastor has access to some of these educational opportunities. If the church budget does not allow this, perhaps a group of members could make it possible. PastorServe has some outstanding coaching and mentoring available. Criticism comes easy but is very limited in its benefit. Offering help for the betterment of a pastor can impact his life and ministry.

Providing paid or volunteer staff in areas of weakness. Who does your pastor need? Who has gifts that complement your pastor’s? No one can do it all. Look for ways you can enable your pastor by supplying the help he needs. Do what you can personally and corporately.