Most of us have the luxury of walking into church on a Sunday only thinking about getting our cup of coffee and a donut and catching up with our friends. But not all of us have this experience. Pastors, for instance, frequently walk into church on a lack of sleep from sermon preparation while fielding a myriad of duties.
On an average Sunday, pastors must concern themselves with the service order, checking in on members, remembering recently learned names, attempting to learn new ones, giving appropriate emotional attention to the issues shared with them, and communicating well-thought-out responses to spiritual questions asked of them. All this while striving to have their hearts in the right place to worship sincerely alongside everyone else.
It’s easy for us to come to church feeling entitled to our pastor’s attention. We all desire to be known, especially by those whom we love, trust, and admire. So when a pastor gets flooded with responsibilities on a Sunday, we may have difficulty understanding why we don’t always get the interaction we want. After all, it’s part of their job. But we forget that unlike a standard 8-5 job, their work consists of around-the-clock, 24/7, soul-care.
If your pastor is faithful to his family, actively present in your church, stewarding the preaching of the Word well, and making a good faith effort to know you, you have a rare thing. But don’t assume your pastor is okay with not knowing everyone. He desperately wants to. Give him the benefit of the doubt.
Pastors can’t be on a texting, visiting, and close friend basis with everyone. It’s simply not feasible. That’s why wise pastors seek out elders who can actively shepherd the church alongside them. Elders exist in God’s design for the church in large part to watch over, care for, and serve the flock. But it doesn’t stop with them. You too are part of God’s answer to someone’s longing for fellowship in the church. As the body of Christ, we are members belonging to one another. But the enemy would love for you to ignore all that and resent your pastor.
So the next time you find fault with your pastor, or the next time you’re tempted to resent him, remember this: your pastor is a human. He’s probably tired. He’s probably already wishing he could do more. And it’s not that he wants your pity. He wants your prayers and your grace. In that vein, let’s strive to live out Hebrews 13:17.
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
