Burnout is a real threat in ministry. It's not just a question of long hours. It is also the extent to which those in ministry pour themselves fully into work - it is emotionally, spiritually, and mentally exhausting. And that's when things are going well! When there is conflict and difficulty, … [Read more...]
Get Rid of Your Crappy Pastor
This is one of the the most read posts from my blog over the years. I hope it is helpful for you as you deal with your pastor. I simply cannot count the number of complaints that I get to hear about other pastors. I've responded to such complaints many ways over the years. Sometimes simply … [Read more...]
The Dishonesty of “Bivocational Ministry” | Part 2
As I have heard denominational officials and church commentators advise "bivocational ministry" as a way forward for the struggling congregations, I have been deeply uncomfortable. Not that there isn't a great history and tradition of pastors who have jobs and careers outside of the church. There … [Read more...]
The Dishonesty of “Bivocational Ministry” | Part 1
Across denominations the issues of declining attendance and decreasing offerings are hot-button topics. Where the discomfort of this crunch is most often felt is in the question of clergy salaries. Paying for a full-time pastor (minister, priest, deacon) is often the biggest single expense in the … [Read more...]
