A young pastor felt lonely and frustrated, because it seemed to him that no one really cared about the whole church. "All they care about is their own little world," he said to an older pastor one day at a prayer breakfast. The older man leaned in and said, "That's because you're the pastor."
Paul might agree with the seasoned servant. He'd been continually persecuted for following Christ - whipped, beaten, stoned, left for dead, adrift at sea, nearly drowned in rivers, robbed, attacked by Jews, attacked by Gentiles, attacked in the city, attacked in the wilderness, betrayed, going days without sleep, food, and shelter (2 Cor. 11:24-27). On top of all of that, was a constant pressure that was unique to those in ministry leadership like apostles and pastors. Not to mention other things, there is a daily pressure on me: my concern for all the churches. (2 Cor. 11:28)
Pastor, few understood Paul's burden and few will ever understand yours. You deal with the normal stresses of life - car payments, mortgages, health issues, raising kids, marriage. In addition to that you carry a unique burden. You carry the weight of the concern for the spiritual condition of all the people you pastor. Others in the church carry a similar weight for their family, or their group, or their ministry area. You, however, carry a weight that is that of the entire flock, like a shepherd trying to carry an entire flock of sheep on his shoulders.
I have felt the loneliness and frustration of the young pastor, and I have occasionally experienced the wisdom of the older one. So, if you'll allow me, I'd like to share a few things with you that may help you through.
His Grace Is Sufficient, So Cling To Him In Prayer - The one who called you to this work will also provide you with the comfort and strength to complete it. (2 Cor. 11:29-10)
You Are Not Alone, So Pray For And Encourage Other Pastors - Every other pastor worth his salt carries the same burden, and none carried it more than our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 5:9) Spend time encouraging others who share your calling. It will help you more than you know.
God Called You To This, So Don't Complain Or Whine - Pour out your heart, including your complaint, to God rather than others. If you don't like the added weight of the calling, you have a problem with God. Complaining to others that no one understands is really an accusation against God for calling you and against the people in your church for not being all you think they should be.
Pray For And Cultivate A Pastoral Prayer Support Team - People may not fully understand your burden, but some will be willing to pray for those things that concern you. You need to be careful at this step with how you share information and prayer requests, but seek out those in your church who would join you in praying for some of those big issues that you feel you carry alone.
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