Pastors Are People TooShembull

Are There Reasonable Expectations?

Not only are there reasonable expectations—I would use the word essential expectations. Every pastor needs a list of essential expectations. Too often the problem is that neither the church membership nor the pastor has thought through what those essentials might be, nor have they communicated them to each other.

As you think about essential expectations there are two cautions to keep in mind. First, a list of reasonable expectations that becomes too long will become unreasonable. A single person must be able to accomplish the list in a regular work week. Google the definition of the word unreasonable and here is what you will find:
Not reasonable or rational; acting at variance with or contrary to reason; not guided by reason or sound judgment; irrational (dictionary.com)

I am convinced that a clear and reasonable list of expectations for the pastor, by your church, would eliminate many unnecessary criticisms and conflicts. That is why I prefer using the words essential expectations. What does your congregation want from your pastor first and foremost? Without such a list, written out and agreed upon, both pastor and church will be frustrated.

The second caution is that the list of expectations must take into account the personality and gifting of your pastor. It is unreasonable to expect something that is far outside what your pastor can do. That is why it is necessary for there to be an understanding of the uniqueness of your pastor. To expect of anyone what they cannot do sets them up for failure.

Barbara and I were asked to work with a ministry team in conflict. The team was made up of some remarkably gifted and committed people. But the team members were very frustrated with the team leader and the team leader with them.

Jay was a strategic leader with a clear direction for the ministry. The team he led had all agreed on the vision and the goals. There was much to be done. The team had come to see Jay as unsympathetic and uncaring, focused only on the work of the ministry. Jay came to see the team as whiners, always wanting his time and attention for secondary issues.

As we talked together, the team realized it was not that Jay did not care, but that he was wired to accomplish goals, and to make things happen. Many members of the team wanted him to be the team caregiver. That was just not going to happen, at least not to the level they desired.

In the end it was decided that Jay would take the responsibility as the strategic leader, and that other team members would assume the caregiving roles. Several months later we received an email from Jay saying the team was really clicking and that he loved his job.

Does your church know what the essential expectations are for your pastor? Are they written and reviewed regularly?