Wednesday, June 03, 2009
HOW TO KEEP YOUR MINISTER FROM QUITTING
Nearly every month it breaks my heart to hear of another minister getting out of the ministry. There are lots of reasons ministers get out... yes, sometimes they're moral issues, but most of the time they leave because they're burnt out or pushed out. Not only has there become a minister shortage because good men are wanting out, but it seems we are no longer encouraging our youth to consider full-time ministry.
Sometimes there's not a lot of appreciation in the local congregations for their ministers, and sadly, some churches see their minister as only a hired-hand, simply there to do a job. One of the best posts on this subject was done by Patrick Mead last August. You can read it here. As great as the post was, it was the comments that were so powerful.
Many ministers feel over worked and under appreciated. A former minister who recently left the ministry to do secular work wrote this about getting out of the ministry, "I'm loving it (being out of the ministry). I'm actually excited about a secular job that only requires 40 hours a week, I get weekends and holidays off, and I can leave the job at the office."
Did you know that statistics show...
- 80 percent of ministers say they have insufficient time with their spouse and that ministry has a negative effect on their family.
- 40 percent report a serious conflict with a church member once a month.
- 58 percent of ministers indicate that their spouse needs to work either part time or full time to supplement the family income.
- 45 percent of ministers' wives say the greatest danger to them and their family is physical, emotional, mental and spiritual burnout.
- 21 percent of ministers' wives want more privacy.
- Ministers who work fewer than 50 hours a week are 35 percent more likely to be terminated.
And we wonder why there is a minister shortage. I'm not pointing fingers here, but trying to figure out what we need to do to reverse the curse of good ministers walking out of ministry. What we need to do is love, encourage and appreciate those who do full time ministry. Here are a few ways...
- Pray for him regularly. This may be the greatest thing you can do for him. Include him in your daily prayers, and then tell him you're praying for him. You might even ask him occasionally, "Is there anything I can be praying about for you?"
- Instead of being critical, tell him what he's doing right. Too many times we focus on the things that we don't like about people instead of what they are doing right. Instead of saying the sermons are too long, too deep, too simple, or too short (like that would ever happen), tell him what you like about his sermons. Instead of pointing out the negatives in his life, look for some positive things. Make sure you tell him regularly what he's doing right.
- Give him time off and allow him a life outside the church. Ministers are on call 24/7 and so it's good when they can have some "down time." Here are some ways you can do this... Encourage your preacher to take time off to vacation with his family or just get away. Another thing you can do is respect your preacher's day off. Any preacher would drop what they are doing to help you in a crisis on their day off, but don't call him on his day off to have him look up a church phone number or address for you.
- Be willing to work with your preacher. Don't expect him to do everything. Ask him if you can go make visits with him or volunteer to help when needed. Nothing is more frustrating to a preacher than having to beg for help. Don't starve your preacher but pay him a fair salary. There used to be an old joke about how churches would pray for their preachers, "Lord, if you'll keep him humble, we'll keep him poor." It's appalling that there are churches that assume that the preacher is in a "spiritual" vocation and doesn't need to be paid as much as similar people in the community.
- Bless your preacher's wife and kids. Don't expect more from the preacher's family than you would other's families. They don't need to be placed up on a pedestal. The minister's wife is the most important person in your minister's life. She is the one that encourages him, strengthens him and supports him. The task of being the preacher's wife is the most under appreciated roll in the world. Also, your preacher's kids are normal kids. They will make mistakes, and they will need encouragement too. Encourage your preacher's wife and kids.
- Write him a note of encouragement. Not a "to do" list, but a note saying, "I appreciate you," or "Thank you." There's nothing like finding an email or note in the mail with a kind word or an encouraging remark. You can't over encourage you preacher.
- Talk kindly about him in the community. Don't criticize him or his family in the coffee shop, beauty shop or other local gathering place. What kind of influence are you going to be if you try to invite someone to church right after you've told them that the "sermons will put you to sleep." I actually knew a woman one time that did nothing but complain about her preacher to her family and all over the community. Then in the same breath she'd exclaim, "I don't know why I can't get my husband to come to church with me?"
- Check your preacher's work load. I'm sure there are a few lazy preachers out there, but most are work-a-holics. Is their boat overloaded? Is there something you could do to relieve some of the pressure of his work load? Believe it or not, preachers do work more than one day a week :)
- Do something nice for your preacher. I'm not saying, "Buy them a house," but I am saying that doing something nice shows a lot of love. I can think of plenty of examples: I remember a gift certificate to a local restaurant, and one of my most valued possessions is a quilt that was hand made especially for my family. I could go on. It means so much when people do nice things for you. Find out what your minister likes or what restaurant he likes the most - then surprise him.
There are too many preachers burning out and getting out of the ministry these days. We just need to do a little encouraging. I'm very thankful to be in a very encouraging congregation that blesses both me and my family. I pray every minister can experience a loving congregation and we can somehow learn to keep good men from quitting full-time ministry. Now, get out there people and show your minister (or minister's) a little love and appreciation! :)
- I would love to know ... can you think of another way to encourage your minister?
posted at 
39 Comments:
I work for the Church. I'm not a minister but even I feel like it's a 24/7 7 day a week 365 days a year job. I'm looking forward to secular work when I leave later this year! I do try to encourage our minister though. He does a great job and I'm not sure how many people realise it. Have blogged with a link to your previous post by the way. Very thought-provoking.
A friend of mine had been at a church for a while and was kind of burned out on that particular congregation and its situations. Then he began meeting with the elders every Sunday before services, just to pray. He said that turned things around.
You've offered some great points. I'm hoping people will listen.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
As a Minister, I would say that there are two main things that make me want to leave full-time ministry for good.
One is lack of respect. It seems that in most churches, Ministers receive none of the credit and all of the blame. They are, as you said, seen as nothing more than hired hands with no say and no authority.
The second thing would be a focus on trivial matters by the church leadership. So many elders meetings are nothing more than "Adventures in Missing The Point."
I'm still in full-time ministry. For now. But I have to say -- if a good offer to do something else came my way, I would jump at it.
-Frustrated ChurchofChrist Minister
LCT - Thanks for the shout out on Monday's post :)
Tim - I love the idea. Praying together is powerful.
Frustrated - Hang in there my friend. I'm sure there are many places out there that are exactly what you described, but there are also many church just the opposite of the one you're struggling with. Praying for your ministry.
I suppose there should be good atmosphere before all..but on the other hand it is difficult then to focus on praying..
I've thought about this topic for a little bit lately. In addition to your assesment, I have two more possible reasons ministers leave.
1) Ministry is one of the few jobs where there is a constant turnover in leadership. Think about it. A minister tries out for a preaching position and spends his time with the eldership. A lot of his decision is made based upon that eldership that he spent time with. Once he agrees to the position, he preaches under that eldership until 2 years later an elder or two resigns. The church (without much input from the minister) brings in two new elders that are totally different from the resigning elders. All of a sudden this minister has a totally new leadership to work with. They may have different temperament or philosophies of ministry, or maybe even a new vision for the church.
This process may repeat itself every three or four years. There are not many jobs out there that has this kind of leadership turnover. It can be difficult on a preacher.
2) Many younger ministers go into preaching ministry with big ideas of getting dirty while doing ministry in the trenches, only to find out that his job requirements entail more administration than he can handle. He has to go through committees and budget processes. The actual administration and business side of things becomes too big to engage in the other stuff. It squashes the dream of ministry in the trenches. Therefore, many younger guys are avoiding preaching positions and focusing on parachurch ministry (recovery ministries, children's ministries, homeless ministries, inner city ministries, etc...).
Sorry this was so long, but I have been thinking about this for a while.
Gilbert is right about the change of leadership being a problem. You are hired in under one leadership and then when they are replaced it definatly becomes a differnt atmosphere. Then, it takes another year or two to get to know and put your trust in them. I have been through situations like that and it isn't an easy task.
Keep up the good work with the blog.
Yours in Him
Brit Farmer
Trey, great post. I taught a class for emerging leaders last week in NY on balance in the ministry and how to finish the race- only 1 in 10 pastors retire in the ministry. Sending you an email with similiar stats. For example:
Pastors’ Wives:
-Eighty percent of pastors’ spouses feel their spouse is overworked.
-Eighty percent of pastors’ spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession.
-The majority of pastor’s wives surveyed said that the most destructive event that has occurred in their marriage and family was the day they entered the ministry.
Pastors’ Children:
-Eighty percent of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression.
Thank you my friend.
I could write ad nauseum about this topic, but will try to refrain.
The number one reported conflict in churches, by a substantial margin, is elder/minister conflict. This almost always comes from a power and control issue.
One of our problems is that we're using conflicting leadership models. Congregations hiring a minister are looking for someone with a master's level eduction and 10 years experience. Then they have them work with elders/deacons for whom there is NO professional standard. Kids and wife are about the only benchmark some of these men have to meet.
Throw in a traditional hierarchical system that is scantly based on scripture that places the one with negligible training/experience/accountability above the person with the training/experience/extreme accountability and sparks are sure to fly.
The outcome of those sparks typically leave no recourse for the minister. Who does he complain to? Who does he seek deliverance from? The good Christian in us says "They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength", but there is a catch.
Environments that lead to the type of conflict I'm describing have a bad habit of not functioning like the Church God designed. When things are fine, we can ignore this, but when conflict hits all of the bad stuff floats to the top.
The minister in conflict wants to "wait upon the Lord" but soon begins to think that he may be doing so in what amount to a non-Christian environment. His anxiety over the situation enhances this feeling.
How long do you think a minister will stay in ministry when he learns that his training is meaningless, his experience is meaningless, he has no support system, and he finds himself enabling a dysfunctional/non-Christian environment?
Current statistics tells us it is right around 3 years. After that, secular work starts looking too good to ignore.
Part of the trouble is the nature of ministry in most places. The comments on this post emphasize this. Have a couple of new elders and then all of the sudden the minister is tip-toeing around until he gains their trust. I believe whole-heartedly in elderships but it is a team effort and not an over under from my understanding. Until churches stop this business model of trying to figure out who has the power, who the boss is, and really let THE BOSS lead we will continue to have ministers leaving ministry. imho
Vlad - Valid point.
Gilbert - Thanks for your words of wisdom. Point one is an excellent point that I hadn't thought of.
Britt - Thanks for your thoughts. I love your blog.
David - You always have such words of wisdom. The statistics are amazing.
Brad - Well said. I know you gave your words lots of thoughts. I agree with your assessment, too many time we're expecting to much from young ministers. And yes, 3 years is a sad statistic.
Anonymous - We work for THE BOSS :) He's the one we need to please :)
hey, why are we talking about just preachers here?!
Most of the things that have been written here (in the original post and the comments as well) can very easily translate to worship ministers (song leaders, worship leaders, whatever you wanna call 'em!) as well. I know I've faced some of the very same issues in my short worship ministry career and it can be extremely frustrating. But we've been told to "run the race as to win the prize" and that's what we have to do if we are to survive in any facet of church leadership.
Speaking of which, it's being said more often now that the position of worship leader needs to be considered as a position that needs to be filled by someone with some good training and experience, much like a preacher. If we wouldn't dare let someone preach who doesn't know how to share the word of God, how dare we let someone lead us to the throne of God who doesn't know how to get us there in the first place? When we sing praises to God in a large assembly (i.e. Sunday morning) we want to offer our best to Him and if we're being led to sing, for example, a celebration song at a snail's pace, we're missing the whole point of coming together to worship. And of course, worship is waaaaay more than just singing. I'm just speaking from a song leader's viewpoint.
Please forgive my ranting :) This is something heavy on my heart, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Blessings to all of you :)
A preacher I know but have not met except online has as his duties the following on the church website under his profile:
"(name)serves as a preacher, evangelist, local evangelism director, leader of the worship team, and a leader & team builder of the staff. He works as a team with the elders in refining the vision for the church."
Some way this good man manages all of this and well, MOST men could not.
Note to elders! If you allow your pulpit to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word your church will be healthier and the preacher will be more useful to God. Preachers are not supermen! They are God's men, treat them with at least as much respect as you do your banker or attorney and don't expect them to be there every time sister Dora has a hang nail.
Royce
So many excellent points here. May i add a couple of things to consider.
1) Isolation. While pastors emphasize the need for community of love, respect and mutual edification, many pastors feel they cannot be genuine with others. I've even had elder pastors tell me to be friendly, but not try to be friends with folks in "my" church. And when one considers that sharing your concerns or struggles leaves you open to attacks from less than gracious folks, one can understand why pastors might be reluctant to share in that community. Even among other pastors there is the game of trying to prove you are as good as another pastor. Trey, when you go to conferences, how many pastors have told you how blessed they are and how good things are going, when you know that their life is filled with conflict. Pastors are often very isolated and that's not healthy.
2) Pastors sometimes have a difficult time getting out of sermon preparation mode when having personal quiet time. We hear God speaking and say, so and so needs this. Perhaps, we're the ones who really need to "Be still and know that I am God."
3) Pastors are from a type of personality that are driven for succcess. Success in spiritual matters cannot be measured with a business model. Too often we use a nickles and noses measuring stick and frankly, that's not a good way to look at a ministry of serving people. It is frustrating to feel unsuccessful by those standards, even when you might be precisely in God's Will. This need for being successful often leads pastors to try programs and different models, trusting in them rather than the Gospel.
Over the past 40 years, I've served as a youth minister (without pay), a "song leader" (before they became worship ministers), and preached 30 years. For the most part, I loved ministry. I don't miss preaching and being on a church staff at all. I do all the ministry I want in our new profession. Good blog, Trey ... as always.
I am so glad I got out of the sick, weird world of "the ministry."
What would happen if Jesus came to preach for awhile? Would he be treated in the same manner? I'm afraid the answer would be "yes". He was then and he would be now. That's a sad thought...
I loved that song by Collin Raye, "What if Jesus Comes Back Like That". It talks about Him coming back as a hobo and as a crack baby. Then it talks about how he did come back....as a preacher and teacher. We expect our preacher's to act like Jesus, but are we guilty of being the Pharasis?
Trey, My take on this is two fold. Number one is church politics. It's a sad fact that church politics is involved in a number of ministers leaving a congregation, or leaving the ministry all together. The second is weak church leadership. Many times those in charge are not committed to the word, and live by feeling that they know what is right. While I am at it, I'll add a third reason, burnout. Many preachers and their families burn the candle at both ends for a group of people who "go to church" on Sunday, get a check mark by their name for being there, and live worldly for the next six days. Sorry if this comes across as negative, but it is what it is.
Robin - I understand where your coming from. I know there are frustrations in every area of ministry. No problems with the ranting ... feel free :)
Royce - Your words are always so well thought out and you always speak from your heart. I like that.
Eastern - I see your points exactly. Thanks for your words.
Greg - I know the church misses you.
Adam - I'm sorry you got hurt in "the ministry." I know it happens. I know you are still doing a lot of good ministry through your blog. I know you've blessed me my friend.
KJ - That is a sad thought.
Kent - Well said. Your first point was excellent.
For those reading, I know we've touched a nerve here. It's obvious that this is a subject that needs talked about in our churches. I pray as we read the comments we'll not see a pity party going on here ... but a need for some encouragement and support for people who minister full time in the church.
yep.
brian
blogprophet
Great comments and post. I'm going to tell my minister " DON'T LEAVE" tonight!! :)
Ministers are not perfect. I do not understand why some people expect that. My Minister is a great person who serves the Lord. What more can you ask from him or me.
I have worked with many wonderful men over the years as they prepared to exit ministry. Some simply made moves because it appears it was God's timing and these need our applause.
Others, though, quit because they indeed felt mistreated and eventually hopeless. Many reasons can be offered. I share a possibility.
My observation is a fundamental element of the Restoration Movement creates this problem.
When one is called to be a spiritual leader in a spiritual system anticipating spiritual results, and yet the basic foundation does not allow nor want to know the Holy Spirit, man's creative steam will eventually evaporate; it will simply run out.
Good men, very talented/gifted men, are dying on the vine. Yes, they could have used more pay. Yes, they needed more support. But so many I work with didn't know during their entire ministry tenure....that God works.
They had gone to school to learn He didn't....just as I was taught.
Trey, you asked for ways to encourage your minister. I thought of two as I was reading your blog. 1. Print a few copies of this blog. Post one on the bulletin board. Keep the other copies on hand to pass out to those who could use a little instruction on how to treat ministers (and, I suspect, others...as I have a sneaking suspicion that most people treat the minister just like they treat other people).
2. Instead of focusing on the preacher's tie, engage the preacher in a deeper discussion about what God was saying through the sermon.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Steve Gauntt, Minister
Abernathy Church of Christ
I wonder if Paul or Peter or Timothy thought about their lack of personal time or time with family or if Paul thought as they were beating him, "I sure wish they'd do it with more respect :("
2,000 years sure has matured the ministry.
Sorry but I always thought ministry was a priviledge. I would worry about family and respect and little notes of encouragment if I weren't going to run into these other preachers in heaven.
You preachers think about this:
Did God TELL YOU to get married or have kids or buy houses or think so much about whether "they like me they really like me"?
I think Paul AND Jesus suggested you do just the opposite.
My family knows that God and ministry comes before them AND my wife loves me and my children respect me AND I actually have sex AND I don't surf for porn on the internet.
Probably why I skip lectureships... I really don't have much to talk about with my other preacher buddies. And it's also why my preacher friends are glad I don't attend them either.
______
And it was especially good to here another encouraging word from Terry about the evils of God's body. Reason #2 I don't go to lectureships. ;)
Thanks AncientWanderer for demonstrating why it's all a sick joke. Once again, glad I'm not a part of it.
I almost quit for some of the reasons listed above. They are real and deadly tools of the devil.
I thought the point that Terry Rush made was right on target. Endurance through the good times and the bad times comes as the result of knowing that God is working through me. God has a plan for me. God is using me for something bigger than me. This is true even when I don't understand.
Wes Hazel
By the way, I learned that in school (FHU)
I understand that this is the interwebs and anyone is allowed to say what they want, but I really appreciate the people who have posted here who are genuinely trying to address the issue.
Brad ... I too appreciate the comments here. There were many good points made.
Until I married into the C of C, I had never had a pastor that was paid for the position. In fact, I had one pastor comment that he did not get into it for the high salary.
Do I think that it is a position that deserves respect? Yes.
Forgive me for saying this but the church leadership should resemble a pyramid. The pastor should be the last resort in dealing with small to average decisions, complaints, fusses, etc. The first stop should be the deacon over that particular ministry. If the problem is not solved in an acceptable time frame (not 24 hours... I would say two weeks), go the the elder above that deacon. I realize it sounds like a business but maybe it is the solution to burnout.
And, usless the minister has a supportive wife, not a naggy, negative, gloomy spouse, his ministry will suffer no matter what. This includes worship leaders. Proverbs is packed with information on how God feels about those particular type of spouse.
And, frankly, I like our worship minister, but honestly, his talents lie elsewhere, not in the ministry. Composing, arranging, tech stuff, sure, but not in ministry. Maybe this is one of the reasons people are not happy with their ministers.
This post has been removed by the author.
:(
Trey, reading some of your statistics sounds a lot like coaches. I know I compare a lot w/preachers & coaches. I think you deserve a vacation, all of the above. You do great things for our church & youth. Sometimes some people get to involved w/the salary instead of doing what they are called to do. I don't know what else to do but teach & coach. The pay does suck depending on places but too me, its about the kids. Making a difference in their lives. Just like you do in our lives, especially in mine.
I appreciate all that you do and I don't tell you enough. You have such an awesome family and wife. I remember babysitting for you guys. I guess if I wasn't a coach I would have my own daycare. lol.
love, Your favorite Botos!
My dear Trey,
You obviously hit a "hot button" here. I spent 40 years as a missionary and preacher...most of it as the latter. Now I help train preachers. So I have given it a lot of thought. In so many ways we are experiencing the fruits of our mistakes. We are victims of our own inventions.
For example we "hire" a preacher...only one, mind you, to do all (or the vast majority of) the preaching thus effectively, or tacitly, barring from "the pulpit" (another questionable term) other men who might have a message from God. Personally, I think this is not only unwise, it is wrong.
Then we place this preacher under the "oversight" of a board of directors (elders) who may or may not be qualified but most of whom have never been in the preacher's position and don't understand the pressures and expectations under which he operates. In most cases the preacher has been a Christian substantially longer than those who oversee him. These are the ones who control his income.
Increasingly, we expect this man to have advanced degrees as a primary qualification which places him in a "professional" category setting him apart from the rank and file.
We call this man "the minister" or "the pulpit minister" (whatever that is) when every servant of God in the congregation is a minister. This further sets him apart for good and ill.
When trouble occurs, he is the one who is sent packing...a convenient target. He may not be the source of the problem but since he was hired, he can be fired.
And, have you noticed, he "tries out" in front of the entire congregation when he is "hired." And yet, when he is "fired," the congregation is usually not consulted.
I rejoice that you seem to be highly appreciated and affirmed by a congregation and pastors who appreciate what they have. Not only that, but what a writer! May God continue to bless your work.
Trey, thanks for allowing many to voice their perspectives - we all have them. I'm in my 32nd year with the same church. Some of the nicest things ever said about me or done to me where by my brethren; some of the cruelest things ever said about me or done to me where by my brethren.
But, being in a local church doesn't make me an exception-you've received conflicting responses on this blog & from some who don't know you or any of us. Kind words & harsh words are aimed at carpenters,doctors,lawyers, CPA's, etc. No one is exempt. I suspect those critical of preachers are themselves targets. What prompts sweet words or bitter words? Not to be preachy, but Jesus & James had much to say about the source of words. I suppose if not for people, any job would be an easy gig!
If there is anything I could offer, it would be this:
To us: lazy preacher jokes came from somewhere; we are supported by people who work; they must be accountable & responsible - we should be no less
To elders: don't be condescending or envious; ask & expect us to share in leading; we don't ask to be in charge nor should elders-Jesus laid claim to all authority-treat the minister as one of the leaders (by the way, I serve in both capacities)
To church: a pedestal or a door mat is no place to put anyone; we deserve reasonable time off, reasonable vacation time, reasonable salary & benefits comparable to our community; we should be expected to work & to sacrifice just like you, but not perform miracles; once a week, ask yourself, "How would I handle a church full of people just like me?"
There are a number of reasons churches of Christ have for years lost hundreds more ministers than we've gained. I've known only one man who left over money - I love him, but frankly, he needed to leave. I know some who left because of unfair pressures placed on them; I know some who left because of their own unrealistic expectations-it's not a place for martyrs or messiahs. I'm not sure what our schools can do to better prepare men.
Trey, it's easy to be a ministry expert when your only point of reference is a stable of preacher jokes, a preconceived view of a preacher's role & a perception of your own job, which, of course, is totally unbiased! LOL!
Thank you for your work, for your love, for introducing us to the Dump People (I discovered one of our deacon's daughters worked there in years past - looks like we're going to send funds on a more consistent basis), for your blog & for being a very fine preacher. I love you. And, remember, when you get discouraged, 'if not for people....' LOL!
MomaBotos ... thanks for your kind words. I'm sure there are lots of similarities between coaches and preachers.... but thankfully preachers don't get yelled at by parents during their kids activities. :)
Dwight - Thanks for the wisdom you added to this. I'm glad you are in the "preacher training" field. You are a blessing to the ministry world. Thank you for your thoughts.
Jackie - A minister that has spent 32 years in the same church needs to be heard. I'm glad I'm listening :) Excellent thoughts to the preachers, elders and church ... I wish I would have had you write this post, you said it much better than I.
Thanks for your kind words and thanks for your love for the Dump.
I am a licensed (but not ordained) minister in Texas. I can't afford to go to seminary because it is too expensive, and I can't "step out on faith" and go full-time ministry because I have a wife and son to provide for. So I am currently working full time at my secular job while trying to help out at my church when I can. I see many ministies that should be done; but no one has the time or energy to do them at the end of the day. I know my Pastor gets frustrated and tired. But so many times, the church expects everyone to volunteer to prove their love for God and church while failing to support the very people that desire to serve them. It is a challenging situation to say the least.
I grew up in ministry, my dad was a full time youth minister and my mom did full time children's ministry. Talk about a busy and hectic schedule. When I was getting closer to graduating from college my mom did the unthinkable and took on full time teaching on top of her work at church. Now she is just part time at church as she teaches full time.
Growing up I hated their jobs sometimes because of what it would do to our family. People were rude and expected way to much. If something wasn't done it was their fault. No one ever stopped to think that maybe the congregation wasn't doing their part.
When I came to school, I changed my major to children's ministry, believe it or not. I love my family and I love ministry. But even though I'm only a Junior in college, I already feel burnt out. I'm getting married this summer and wonder about how it will affect our relationship. I'm very nervous, and find myself looking for a way out. It's sad because I love it.
This article is encouraging. Thanks for posting it. It's true that ministers need that sort of love from the congregation they are serving.
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