Don't Be A Problem for the Preacher
Don’*DISCLAIMER (Pre-emptive strike): Not all preachers are perfect (in fact, only one has been), and there are BAD preachers, but most are not, and if you have a problem with all of them, the problem is probably you. Change that.
Getting stuck.
Brother X is “my preacher” and in your love for Brother X measuring everyone by him. You have what we used to call Preacheritous. It’s OK to love more than one preacher. It is also OK to have a guy who is your favorite but don’t parade him in front of or continually compare him to your present one.Not getting over a hurt.
You were hurt by a preacher. Time to put your big boy pants on and move forward!! That’s harsh, but not more so than being mean and harsh to a person who loves you and wants to invest in you because someone he would also dislike for their deeds hurt you. That past hurt - is in the past and has nothing to do with this guy. Turn the evil person over to God and move forward with joy.Believing he is perfect and when he stumbles, writing him off.
Our brotherhood of preachers is full of MANY really grand humble, self-sacrificing men (and a few loud jerks), but none of them are perfect or claim to be. If he messes up, makes a mistake, or offends - let him know. BUT in that same breath, let him know you love him and will move forward with joy.Believing you have to agree with him on every issue to be his friend.
He is human, he will get something wrong. So will you. There are a whole lot less issues to split over than more!Expecting him to meet every need you have.
A preacher is not a one-man “take care of every needs” department. If you expect him to visit every hospital room, attend every event, answer every call, solve every conflict, and personally disciple every member, you’re setting both of you up for frustration. Healthy churches share the work of caring for one another.Treating him like an employee instead of a brother.
When a preacher becomes “the hired help,” something unhealthy has happened. The New Testament picture is not employer/employee but family and fellow servant. Respect grows when we remember that the preacher is a Christian first, a worker in the kingdom second, an employee third.Listening to rumors instead of talking to him directly.
Many strained preacher relationships grow in the soil of hallway conversations and parking-lot speculation. If something bothers you, the healthiest path is simple: go talk to him. Most conflicts would die quickly if we’d have an honest conversation.Expecting him to be strong in every area.
Every preacher has strengths and weaknesses. Some preach powerfully but struggle with ministry. Others are great counselors but less dynamic speakers.Expecting him to be a mind reader or have his own personal crystal ball!
He can’t know of a visit to make or when someone is in the hospital or needs attention if no one tells him. I had a secretary who often would say: ‘my crystal ball is on the fritz!”Forgetting he has a soul too.
Preachers preach, teach, counsel, comfort, and lead. But, pay attention here: they also need encouragement, friendship, and grace. When members remember that their preacher also needs shepherding and kindness, relationships flourish.t Be A Problem for the Preacher