Infallible

“The Bible is the ultimate authority and infallible, not the pastor and not the elders. And it doesn't mean that you believe everything he says without examining it.” (John Pipe)

My curiosity can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because I greatly enjoy finding out new information I never knew before. The curse happens with my obsessive determination to discover the real truth no matter how long it takes me.

Over the years, the pastors I have had the privilege of being under teaching-wise have been a true blessing to me spiritually. Though, they have all left me with one burning curiosity question. "What does a full-time senior pastor do job-wise throughout the week when he’s not preaching at a mid-week or Sunday service?"

Of the two pastors I asked the above question to via e-mail, the male minister chose not to answer me, and the female minister was offended I asked the question in the first place. Realistically if the tithes of the congregation pay for the upkeep of the church (and its ministries), wouldn’t that make the congregation one of the pastor’s bosses?  I feel this gives me the right to ask the above question?

Personally, I find no answer as a call to research for answers. The Internet has provided me with all the information both of us need on this subject. Let’s first start with what the Bible states in Titus 1:6-9, 1 Timothy 3:3-7, and 1 Peter 5:3 as the needed qualifications for a pastor.

A pastor …

·        Must have control of his imperfect children, and have financial integrity.

·        Must be humble, devoted to spouse, not angry, sober, hospitable, peaceful, self-controlled,  holy, teach, spiritually mature, respectable, and a positive example to the congregation.

The following statistics on pastors should provide cause to pray for a specific individual or all of ministers as a whole.

·        97% of pastors have been betrayed by their trusted        friends.

·        70% of pastors battle depression.

·        7000 churches close each year.

·        1500 pastors quit each month.

·        10% of pastors will need a pastor

·        80% of pastors feel discouraged.

·        94% of pastors' families feel the pressure of the ministry.

·        78% of pastors have no close friends

·        90% of pastors report working 55-75 hours per week.

The minister with a Master of Divinity degree can expect to earn an annual salary ranging as high as  $ 76,309 to $105,231 (or as low as $47,239). Here are some of the duties included in the typical work week of a senior pastor. (The schedule of this position can change immediately depending on congregational needs. The pastor is on call 24/7 as a balance is sought between family and ministry.)

·        Arrange community outreach programs

·        Attend denominational conferences

·        Organize every part of regular church services

·        Pastoral care (which includes counseling, hospital visits, weddings and funerals, 10-33 hours)

·        Sermon preparation (4 to 22 hours)

·        Teaching (Midweek Bible study, small groups, membership classes, discipleship training)

“If people don’t know their pastor, it’s easy to put the pastor on a pedestal and depersonalize him or her. It’s also easy for pastors, who don’t know their congregations, simply to classify congregants as saved or unsaved, involved or not involved, tithers or non-tithers.”  (Eugene H. Peterson)[i]

My pastor with his wife, Dave and Vicki Jansen

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[i] Sources used:

o   “Biblical Qualifications of a Pastor” by Acts 29

o   “Pastor Salaries”   (http://www1.salary.com/Pastor-Salaries.html)

 

o   “Pastor Salary” (http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pastor/Salary)

 

o   “Pray for Your Pastor” by Dr. Michael P. Millé

o   “Senior Minister: Pastor’s Job Description” by Patti Duckworth

o   “What Do Clergy do All Week?” by Becky R. McMillan

o   What Effective Pastors Do with Their Time” by Thom S. Rainer