I was talking to a couple yesterday who just joined the congregation where I am currently ministering. We were talking about different aspects of the church which would be relevant for a new member: doctrine, vision, history, ministries, leadership, where the bathroom is… I was very curious to know more about how they found the congregation and what their initial reactions were– good and bad– since they were seeing things through “fresh eyes”.
Then he asked something which really touched and humbled me. ”How long are you going to be here?” In other words, do you plan to stick around for a while?
That really got to me, because it shows me just how important the longevity of the minister is to the health of the local congregation, and I think there are some warnings to both ministers and congregations here.
Now, I know that the congregation should not be based solely on the minister. There is a real danger when a congregation sees the minister as the personification of the congregation or when he has too much power in the church to a negative effect. We are all in the priesthood of believers and the minister is no closer to God than anyone (though he should be held to a high standard). But, let’s face it, in a lot of ways the congregation will take on the personality, doctrine, and vision of the minister as he is often the point-man of the church. He is the one people look to as a leader in the church (even if he has very little leadership responsibility or is just a hired hand). He also literally has a bully pulpit since he is in front of the congregation constantly in his preaching and as the “face” of the church. Let’s face it, no matter how good the congregation is, if you can’t stand the preaching you’re not going to last long. He is also the person that people will have the most contact with in most churches in an official capacity. I think most visitors to a church will judge a church by its worship service, the preaching, ministries offered (usually for children), and the friendliness of the people, probably in that order (flip worship and preaching depending on how interested in doctrine a visitor is).
I’ve also found that congregations that have the best long-term growth usually have a minister who has been there for a long time. I can think of three churches around here which have steadily grown and are seemingly healthy and have had a minister there for over 20 years. Contrast that with congregations that change ministers every three years and are extremely unhealthy (not sure which is the cause and which is the effect, though). Some churches will have flash in the pan growth with a dynamic preacher, but if he leaves soon so will the growth.
All of this is just to say that it’s a humbling responsibility to be a minister. Yes, you are usually hired, but hopefully you consider your ministry not to be a job but a calling to be a shepherd. I hope that ministers will consider the impact they have on their congregation before they consider an opportunity to leave. Yes, there are valid times when it is best to leave and many valid reasons to do so, but that decision should not be made lightly. And, congregations should think very hard before they rush out to dismiss their minister. Again, there are valid times to do so, but often ministers are let go because it’s easier to change a minister than to actually start being the church or to make the “lay leaders” be held accountable.
A new couple joining a church most likely has decided that the preacher is someone with a heart for God and a good message if they commit to join. I can understand why they might be reluctant to be part of a church where that might be changing. I hope that congregations and ministers alike consider the importance of the shepherd to the “sheep” of the local congregation. Congregation: pray for, encourage, and support your minister if he is a man of God. Ministers: take seriously the trust you’ve been given by your congregation and lead well and live a life worthy of your calling.
