We have an epidemic spreading in our congregations. I don’t believe it is an exaggeration to say it could be one of the most important elements to impact the future of congregational life. One of the most pressing concerns I see lately is congregational support of their clergy.
I was recently coaching a minister and within the forty-five minutes of our conversation, she received twenty three texts from church members. Some needed something, others were sharing concerns. There were twenty three texts that expected immediate responses. Thoughts that had popped into their heads and they fired off a text immediately.
Another minister had four instances in the last week where congregation members berated them for something. One a perceived slight. Another an opinion about their absence at an event. Another blaming them for something that was not their fault. Each one, jumping to conclusions first and approaching the ministers with judgement, absent of grace.
Congregations should always care for their pastor. They should offer thanks, kind words of encouragement, help and support in challenging times. They should receive the benefit of the doubt. They should be cared for and treated like part of the body of Christ.
Ministry is a calling. If it wasn’t, clergy wouldn’t be serving congregations. But it is demanding and sometimes very challenging work.
Most ministers are making financial sacrifices. Church salaries have stayed very stagnant over the last decade, or even longer. They have limited vacation, especially when it includes a Sunday away. They are often constantly on call for emergencies which wears heavily. They walk with people in their hardest and holiest moments. Many congregants are overwhelmed with the changes happening in our larger culture and since they don’t know how to communicate that with God, their frustration is directed towards the pastor.
This is not a normal season in ministry. We have a clergy crisis, in part because of this kind of treatment. In some reports up to 15% of congregations are searching for a pastor. But we have seen approximately 30% searching for pastors in other areas. Very few seminarians want to go into church ministry and a large numbers of senior ministers are retiring. The search time for a pastor has lengthened to an average of twelve to eighteen months, but sometimes longer. Congregations need to do everything they can to encourage the pastor they have.
So, this pastor appreciation month, offer kindness. Start with the benefit of the doubt. Start with trust over cynicism. Give a compliment. Offer support in times of family and personal need. Offer additional compensation. Can’t afford a raise, or a bonus? Add a Sunday off each year. Add vacation days. Offer the minister a vacation house to use for free, or landscaping for their yard for the next year. Don’t text them every thought or concern you have. Give them space and grace. Your pastor is likely very generous with you, be generous with them.
And remember, as with anyone else, treat clergy as you wish to be treated.