I have been in various forms of ministry since 1990 and compared to some that makes me a youngster.  Yet still in that short time from 1990 to 2005 I have learned some hard lessons- but lessons I did not know how to apply until this past Saturday after a day-log discussion with spokesperson for the Independent Christian Churches and Disciples of Christ.

Here is the lesson:

The pastor is fair game for attacks by the congregation.  It is even encouraged by many congregations.  And not just pastors but any Christian worker.

Oh but your thinking "This won't happen to me because I will lead them in the right direction!"  Then BAAM it happens to you:  you get pulverized and feel terrible, angry, and even debate leaving the ministry.

First of all let's look at the power structure of Churches:

1. Small Churches less than a hundred people- the Pastor really is a chaplain.  The church already has a political leader and in reality the Pastor has unrealistic expectations of the level of freedom he will have to initiate change in the church.  They are not looking for a leader they are looking for a spiritual teacher and counselor.  This may be the hardest of all church sizes to pastor.  For example:  One small church in the general area has had 10 pastors in ten years.  Every pastor walked into that church was saying the exact same thing:  I shall lead.  But instead of leading he leaped into a political morass, got pulverized and quit.  All except one leader who led for five years in this church.  He knew he was not the leader but rather a servant.  And in being a servant the church followed him.  Yet he only stays at any church for five years then he moves on.  

Length of service has no bearing on how a congregation may attack.  One pastor had led a small church for 35 years as a part time pastor.  He decided to become a fulltime pastor and the congregation found his decision to wrong and they fired him the next week.

Seemingly meaningless events are usually the reasons pastors leave the small church.  So if you are pastoring a small group expect the following stages:

• 1. Idolization-  they will think your great.
• 2. Realization- the congregation and the pastor come to a clearer view of each other
• 3. Frustration- this stage the pastor and the congregation become frustrated with each others performance and growth.
• 4. Pulverization- the congregation tries to pulverize the pastor.  Depending on the pastor's wisdom and understanding he will either be driven out or will cement his position.  9 out 10 pastors are not equipped to handle this level of political challenge, and so they leave the church and do it all over again else where until they learn the hard way that in the small church their leadership is very limited.

2. The medium sized church 100 to 500 members- the pastor becomes more insulated and is treated more like a board member.  His leadership is still limited but he has greater freedom for innovation and iniation of projects as long as these projects are properly presented to the board of officers, elders or deacons. He will be tested just as the pastor of a smaller is but in a more impersonal fashion and usually thru the churches governing board.

3. The large church 500+ members-  the pastor usually is trully a leader and people generally respond and protect the pastor rather than  challenging him.   The reason why is I'm sorry to say but partially finacial.  Pastors of large churches have developed a celebrity status and become virtual cash cows.  So the congregation do not want to damage that popularity of their church by smearig the celebrity status of the leaders.  This is why famous pastors can do terrible things and the churches stand behind them.  the mindset is: A carnal celebrity can fill an auditorium better than righteous man who is unknown. 

So for most of us here at UCCBI we fall into the small and medium churches and we must be prepared to learn our freedoms and leadership is limited.  To wisey turn harsh words. And to gently guide the congregation, rather than having ultimatums and showdowns.

Yet though there will come a time when you may have to have a showdown- and you must be prepared to suffer the ramifications such as losing your position or splitting the church.

So go in with your eyes wide open, expect people to confront and try to hamper you, respond gently and with good cheer knowing that turning a church takes years not minutes, wisdom and patience- not impassioned attacks.  Unless that church fallen completely into immorality and false teaching- then you have to make your stand.

(From a conversation with Pastor Jim Roberts)

JB Skaggs