Sunday, October 21, 2001

"Expectations Weigh Heavily On Ministers"

By Dr. David L. Chancey
Religion Columnist

During this "Clergy Appreciation Month," let's remember one more time that our ministers are human. They are imperfect persons with good hearts and good intentions, but aren't always going to meet every member's expectations.

A cartoon I saw recently pictured this ministerial dilemma perfectly. The secretary had opened a gift box, pulled out the present, and announced to the minister: "Your new outfit has arrived." The outfit had an "S" on the front and a cape attached to the back. Unfortunately, no minister I know is a "superman."

This "Church Employees Job Descriptions" document was written "tongue in cheek," but certainly illustrates the stressful expectations that ministers sometimes face:

Pastor -

Able to leap short buildings in a single bound;

Is more powerful than a locomotive;

Is faster than a speeding bullet;

Walks on water and gives policies to God.

Associate Pastor -

Is able to leap short buildings in a single bound;

Is as powerful as a switch engine;

Is just as fast as a speeding bullet;

Walks on water if the sea is calm;

Talks with God.

Education Minister -

Leaps short buildings with a running start;

Is almost as powerful as a switch engine;

Is faster than a speeding BB;

Walks on water if he knows where the stumps are;

Talks with God if special request is approved.

Music Minister -

Clears a small hut;

Loses race with a locomotive;

Can fire a speeding bullet;

Swims well;

Is occasionally addressed by God.

Youth Minister -

Runs into small buildings;

Recognizes locomotives, two out of three times;

Used a squirt gun in college;

Knows how to use the water fountain;

Mumbles to himself.

Church Secretary -

Lifts buildings to walk under them;

Kicks locomotives off the track;

Catches speeding bullets in her teeth;

Freezes water with a single glance;

Even when God speaks, she says, "May I ask Who is calling?"

While you may expect some things from your pastor, you also owe him some things. First, help him. Do your part to help the church move forward and run effectively. Second, hear him out. He's the spiritual leader. He's not the only leader, but do give him the freedom to lead. Third, hug him. Let him know you love him and his family. Fourth, hold him up. Be a prayer partner with your pastor and a prayer warrior for your pastor.

One pastor was asked, "what is the secret of your effectiveness?" Without hesitation, he answered, "my people pray for me." Do you pray for your pastor and staff?

(Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church,

Fayetteville. The church is located at 352 McDonough Road. The church

family invites you to join them for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at

10:55 a.m. and 6 p.m.).

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