Is Your Pastor at Risk?

Unfortunately, pastoral failure is a common occurrence in today’s churches. We’ve all heard about the scandals and the host of reasons why a pastor must step down. But the real question… Is your pastor at risk?

What most people don’t realize is that being a pastor (especially a lead pastor) has some very unique challenges that most positions of employment don’t have today. Can you think of a job that requires public leadership, private leadership, providing care and counsel to meet multiple levels of need while shouldering the responsibility for growth and expansion and at the same time enduring criticism and pushback when things don’t turn out? Of course, all of this is free of charge, only hoping people will feel lead to give. No, being a pastor is a very unique role in today’s world carrying with it many trappings. The public part can become lonely. The lack of support can get wearing. Support can turn into betrayal overnight. What would appear to be fulfilling and joyful work can quickly turn in into cynicism. 

Simply put, no one can really prepare you for the ups and downs of being a pastor.  Although we’ve discussed this lack of preparation in a prior blog “Why Did Your Pastor Leave?”, there are preventative steps that can lower the level of risk!

When pastors feel push-back, criticism, and lack of support by congregants, there is the temptation to withdraw and avoid. Why not, right? Who wants to be around negative critical people? But this is where the risk begins! Scripture warns against withdrawal and how the enemy will capitalize on this type of thinking. The Apostle Peter warned about this issue and the need to be alert…

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Have you ever watched those National Geographic specials, showing how a lion stalks its prey? It’s not only disturbing and hard to watch, but the lion always seems to isolate its prey by separating them from the protection of the herd. The lion never goes for those in the center of the pack, only the straggler. A vivid metaphor used to remind us what can happen to a pastor who isolates and withdraws. It is spiritually dangerous and the enemy will capitalize on it. 

In fact, if you look closely at today’s reports involving pastoral failure, you will quickly find patterns of isolation and withdrawal. Every pastor is at risk! The real question is are the necessary steps being taken for protection? Given the pastorate can be a difficult and lonely role, providing a safe place to share and find support can go a long way in protecting the pastor and the church.

The Solution: Church leadership can reduce the risk of pastoral failure by providing a monthly stipend for their pastor to meet with an experienced advisor, coach, or consultant.  This will not only provide the much-needed support but will also prevent isolation and withdrawal from taking place.  

At Revive Consulting, we have first-hand experience in understanding the unique role and challenges involved in the pastorate.  We also understand how this can impact a pastor’s spouse.  With 50+ years of combined ministry experience, we can help provide that safe place of encouragement and support for your pastor and their spouse.  Please email to discuss how we can help protect your pastor.  contact Revive Consulting for a free consultation