Do You Pray For Your Pastor?
Over my short time in ministry, I have been seen a treated many different ways. Recently the thought of being seen as pastor vs employee has come to the forefront. 
Miriam Webster Dictionary defines a pastor as: "a spiritual overseer; especially : a clergyperson serving a local church or parish." They define employee as:"one employed by another usually for wages or salary and in a position below the executive level." As you think about your pastor or priest, do you see him/her as one or the other or both. For IRS standards, the pastor is an employee of the church. But for denominations, pastors are often called, sent or appointed to serve a local congregation. 
So the question becomes for me, how do people see pastors? Some see them exclusively as that spiritual leader, guide, shepherd (an older image but still in some minds). Others say we pay them so they need to meet our expectations or we find someone else. So there are clearly defined job descriptions. In the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline there are roughly forty items pastors of the church are responsible for. I don't know anyone who can accomplish them all. 
For example, say your congregation wants your pastor in the office Monday through Friday 9-5. The church also wants the pastor to visit, start a youth program and lead Bible study as well as sing in the choir. When does your pastor get to do all this? That is on top of preparing, worship, a well thought out sermon, and at some point and Sabbath day and time in prayer with God. Wow a lot of expectations and responsibility. How can any of those things get done and done well?
I have had some time to think that there can be no either/or but both/and. The pastor is that and an employee. As there needs to be a covenant between pastor and people about expectations. Not just expectations of the pastor but expectations of the people that pastor is serving. The pastor and people need to prioritize what is the mission of the church and work the joint expectations around that mission. 
When people put their pastor exclusively in that definition, they are often placed on a pedestal. When there is a break in trust, people have a hard time being close to a pastor again. In the same way treating a pastor exclusively as an employee can take the relationship out of the picture and it is solely about get checkboxes completed. "Exceeds Expectations;" "Meets Expectations;" "Needs Improvement." 
In churches I have been called to that understand the duality of being pastor/employee, there has been an openness to be in relationship with one another as well as hold each other accountable to the expectations the people and pastor have for each other. Even in those churches which are on the poles of pastor or employee, there is still a chance for meaningful mission, ministry and relationships but it takes more work and effort.
So as you think about how you see your pastor, consider first and foremost they are human just like you. They hurt they have pain, joy and sorrow. They have their highs and lows. They did not choose this. God chose them for the gifts they can offer the people of God to bring the Kin-dom and share the Message found in Christ Jesus. I encourage you all to start there and begin to look at covenanting with each other and your pastor to speak expectations and goals. There is no greater death for our spirits, the spirit of the church and your pastor as when hope is dashed not once but twice in unmet and unspoken expectations and conflict. 



Have you prayed for your pastor today? Try these ways to pray for your pastor.



How To Pray for Your Pastor

You want to pray, but you’re not sure how to pray for your pastor. I’ve listed below 10 prayer requests that can help you start praying for them.



  • Insight into scripture and an understanding of how it applies to people today.
  • Protection from the work of Satan.
  • Help your pastor keep a soft heart in the face of abrasive and abusive people.
  • Your pastor's personal spiritual growth.
  • A successful ministry – however God defines success in your pastor's life.
  • Boldness to speak the truth, and grace to speak it with humility.
  • That your pastor would persevere through whatever trial they are facing.
  • Your pastor's children – that they will grow up with a positive impression of church ministry.
  • That your pastor ould remain pure, and that his love for his wife would increase daily.
  • That you would know how to encourage your pastor today.

Pray for Your P-A-S-T-O-R

Here's another way to pray for your pastor - especially if you have trouble remembering what to pray about. Use the letters of the word, P-A-S-T-O-R to remind you of specific prayer requests. For example:P - Purity. Pray that your pastor will remain pure in the face of constant pressure in an immoral culture.
A - Adversity. Pray for your pastor that they will be able to confront adversity with faith and endurance.
S - Strength. Most pastors work long hours and at least six days a week. Pray that they will have the strength to continue their ministry.
T - Teaching. Pray for your pastor that their teaching and preaching will be effective, powerful, and clear.
O - Organization. Your pastor has more to do than any one person can handle. Pray for your pastor that they will be able to prioritize correctly.
R - Rest. Your pastor needs rest. Pray that your pastor will sleep well each night and that they will take enough time away from ministry so that they do not get worn out.
|