What Your Pastor is Worrying About
There have been recent articles specifying ways you can pray for your pastor during this current season.
I’m grateful for these because pastors do need prayer.
But in this post, I want to pull back the curtain and share what I believe pastors are wrestling with these days.
This isn’t to be controversial but to add a layer of urgency in praying for your pastor.
While I know these concerns may not speak for all pastors, it’s my hope that these humanize your pastor and clarify the issues your pastor may be facing in his church.
Here are 4 things your pastor may be worrying about, followed by how you can specifically pray for your pastor during this season.
1. “Will my church (or ministry) survive?”
The current crisis has created a crisis in some churches.
Some churches are in danger of losing their facility or personnel due to financial constraints. Other recently planted churches now face a new layer of uncertainty at a time when things were already unstable. Some churches were already hanging on to a dwindling membership roll and now face an unknown future.
Some pastors are wondering if this crisis will be the end of their local church. They may not admit it out loud but they’re quietly wondering if their doors will officially shut or if they’ll head down an irreversible path.
2. “What am I supposed to do next?”
Some leaders responded incredibly in the first two weeks. They pivoted quickly, engineered a virtual service, and belted an impassioned plea to their people.
But with the future continually (and fluidly) unfolding and the fatigue setting in, some pastors are wondering what the next move is.
Remember, pastors are creatures of routine and progress. Sermons are preached, weekend services are measured and assessed, new initiatives are ideated and launched, and this happens week after week, year after year. It’s all been disrupted.
3. “Will there be pay-cuts or releases?”
Lead pastors (supervisors) and associates (employees) alike are wondering this right now. (And believe me, no one wants to think about this right now.)
Some churches are not in the best financial state. Cuts may be unavoidable. Even churches in financially healthy places may still need to make adjustments.
And this may be the elephant in the minds of a lot of pastors right now. I’ve had pastors reach out to me sharing their concerns. Other pastors have asked what they should do. I’ve even seen pastors publicize their circumstances on social media (!).
4. “What will be the new normal after this?”
Everyone has been saying that this current moment will alter the way we live forever. In other words, things will never be the same again.
Everyone agrees on this. What no one can agree on? How it will change. No one agrees on this because no one knows what’s going to happen. So will people flock back to church or get used to digital church? Will the small church become more digital or will the large church fade away? No one knows.
Pastors are planners and their minds can be 12-18 months ahead in the calendar. And this is why the current season is driving them crazy. It’s a moving target. We can’t anticipate what’s to come.
Will You Pray for Your Pastor?
Yes, your pastor may be worried.
Yes, your pastor knows that we shouldn’t be worried about anything but by prayer and supplication make all requests known to God and the peace of God… yes. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Yes, your pastor knows that there’s enough worries for today, yes. (Matthew 6:34)
And your pastor is still wrestling with worry.
So would you pray?
3 Things to Pray for Your Pastor
1. Pray for Supernatural Strength.
This is a season of emotional drain and mental fatigue. Remember, your pastor may still be a spouse, parent, and a child of aging parents. Pray your pastor is “strengthened with power through his Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:16)
2. Pray for Divine Wisdom.
There are decisions that need to be made while information is continually changing. Right application of right knowledge is desperately needed. Pray your pastor is given wisdom from above (James 1:5).
3. Pray for Unwavering Courage.
Despair and dread are knocking at the door of your pastor’s heart. Your pastor needs the courage to meet the fears and uncertainties of the church, head on. Pray that your pastor remain firm in the faith and march forward (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Contrary to what you may have heard, pastors really do believe what they preach.
We believe Jesus is the Head (leader) of the Church. We believe the mission of the church will not be thwarted. We believe God is in control.
We just struggle at times (like everyone else).
And that’s why we need your prayers.
