Being a pastor can be a lonely and brutal job. It’s a task that requires determination, tenacity and a work ethic that rivals most NFL coaches. Even if a pastor is gifted in many areas he cannot accomplish everything on his own. In fact, pastoring is nothing new, because it’s been around for a long time.
In the Old Testament, Pastor Moses, the first mega-church pastor, had more problems than most pastors can dream up. At one point he almost had a nervous breakdown until the Lord intervened and sent him a wise mentor and raised up a staff around him.
If Moses couldn’t do everything by himself, then it is more important than ever for a pastor to have a staff around him that can help to accomplish the God-given vision. With this in mind, there are some characteristics that every pastor needs in a staff:
Every senior pastor needs a staff that:
1. Is committed to the same vision he is. If you’re not committed, then find somewhere else where you will be. There’s no shame in finding a place where you’ll be effective in ministry.
2. Will overlook his bad days. David had the chance to stab Saul in the back when he caught him with his pants down, but he chose not to. Remember, everyone has a bad day.
3. Will pick up the trash when he needs you to. Simply put, don’t be afraid to do something that seems beneath you.
4. When you say you’re praying for him, then actually do it. Being a senior pastor is a tough job that most people won’t ever understand.
5. Has his back, instead of talking behind it. In other words, when you have a problem, bring it to the team, instead of to people who can’t help.
6. Can help solve problems and be team players. Jesus couldn’t do ministry by himself, pastor’s can’t do it all either.
7. Can think BIG! Anyone can be small-minded, but it takes someone extraordinary to think what could be.
8. Can laugh and cry with him. It’s easy to forget your pastor is human and bleeds the same color blood as you. Just because he’s the spiritual leader, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have needs as well.
What would you add to this list? How can you serve your leader better?
