6. Addictions. You cannot pull yourself away from the television, the computer, the golf course, or your hobby to do the work expected of a pastor.
No one minds the pastor playing golf so long as he is faithfully doing the work God called him to and for which they are employing him. Everyone needs recreation.
Okay, someone will always “mind” you spending an afternoon on the links or your morning at the gym. But if you know you are on top of your work, and if your leadership team is supportive, ignore the criticism and do what you need to do to take care of your health and your sanity.
But, beware of excessive personal indulgence.
7. Guilt. You feel guilty a lot. That’s a good sign, incidentally, if you are not doing your job for any reason.
One evidence we are children of God, according to Hebrews 12:6, is that the Lord chastens whom He loves. So, if we are rebellious or neglectful and saved, the Holy Spirit is going to make us know it. That oppressive weight we feel in our hearts and spirits? That’s the Lord calling us to the fields.
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8. Majoring on minors. You omit doing the more important ministries in order to stay with some tiny aspect of the work which you find more interesting.
I once knew a pastor who told the church he would never be present on Wednesday night for prayer meetings because he coached a Little League team that played on those nights. He did not last long at that church. When he told me about it–before the church released him–he was almost boastful that he was ministering in the community and letting his self-centered members fend for themselves. Even if he was right–and that’s open for debate–his people did not buy it.
9. Advisors. Ask your wife or a great friend in the congregation (or on your staff) whether or not you are lazy. If they hesitate and search for the right words to respond to you, you have your answer.
Don’t argue with them. Thank them, then get to work. If necessary, find a good pastoral counselor or your mentor and talk this out.
10. Barrenness. The lazy pastor will not be sowing seed, cultivating the growth of his people, or reaping a harvest in the lives of the congregation. He wonders where the fruit is which the Lord promised.
I went by the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking sense. Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.
I saw, and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit. (Proverbs 24:30-34).
Laziness is a spiritual problem.
Laziness may have its roots in a hundred other things, but underneath it all, there is rebellion against God.
As with all rebellion, the answer is repentance and commitment.
I suggest pastors–and all believers–start the day with a time with the Lord. Start early, get past the routine stuff quickly, and then, talk to the Father about the day ahead. Ask, commit, and listen. God bless you, pastor.
