We all deal with people who just coast along or appear to have low self-discipline. This can happen in ministry as well. I get frustrated sometimes when working with people in ministry who come uncross as unprofessional. Pastors should be examples of the highest degree of professionalism as a witness to the world around us. First Timothy 3:7 says about overseers, “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” In today’s terms, we might say that someone who oversees the church, namely the pastor, should have the highest reputation, especially in interacting with others. Here are some obvious ways to do this, which also are ways that frustrate me too often when dealing with pastors.
First, communicate clearly and on time. I try to answer emails and phone calls within 24 hours if I can. I often reread emails several times before answering them to make sure my response is complete and accurate. I sometimes receive responses from people that are short and unclear, not even complete sentences. That is ok for some communication, but often the case is that this is for more important matters. It can also get frustrating to write someone or leave a phone message and the person never responds. In the world of business, this would qualify for dismissal. Why should pastors do any less? Pastors should get in the habit of communicating clearly. This will require careful listening and dialogue. Often in the rush of Sunday mornings, it is difficult to do this type of communication. Therefore, it is helpful to follow up with people so that the dialogue can continue. Along with timely communication is proper email and phone etiquette. This is includes voice inflections, proper grammar, and spelling.
Second, be punctual and on time. Some people seem to be always late to meetings or appointments. This becomes a matter of integrity. If we say we will be somewhere, we should do our best to be there at the designated time. If something comes up, which sometimes happens, then we need to let people know. I do not like to have a meeting and the people are not there to start the meeting. It is a waste of my time and the time of anyone who is on time.
Third, work hard and do the ministry. Pastors should have a work ethic that indicates that they are carrying out their calling to shepherd the church. This does not mean frantically working 60 or 80 hours a week with the appearance of being busy. It means that we prioritize the important. If a pastor is never in the office at designated times, it can give the appearance that the pastor is not doing the job. Let people know when you are available. Be upfront and give reports to the church board to build trust, especially as a new pastor. Pastors should be reliable. When we say we will do something, we do it and do it well.
Fourth, do the job well. In most cases, pastors should be the resident experts in the local church about ministry, Bible, and theology. We have gone through more schooling about these topics than 99.9% of church people (though there are exceptions). Pastors should be the well that feeds the people of God, not in a prideful way but in humility with the goal of helping people be transformed into Christ’s likeness. Sermons that show poor exegesis or board meetings that lack agendas indicate laziness. Doing a good job goes along with working hard.
Fifth, be available and approachable. Professionals who work with people must invest themselves in people. People must feel comfortable coming to a pastor. This will require trust which may take time to develop. A pastor who is involved with people and shows them that he or she cares will provide open doors for people to come. The Bible uses the word “hospitality” for this approachableness.
Sixth, be a life-long learner and always improve. Professionals participate in life-long learning opportunities to improve their skills. Pastors should always be learning new things by reading books or other materials, attending conferences, and utilizing other growth opportunities.
Seventh, look the part. This will depend on the cultural situation. When I visited South Korea, I noticed all pastors wore suit coats. When I visited Wyoming, the pastors wore cowboy boots, cowboy hat, and blue jeans. I actually prefer the latter, but wherever we are, we should dress in a way that makes people comfortable and shows that we are serious about our ministry. Unkempt dress, hair, or other things can be an unnecessary distraction.
I could add more to this list. The key idea is that pastors should operate at a high level that brings a witness to God and the gospel. Pastors should not live under the legalistic weight of these things but find freedom is being one’s self, using one’s gifts, and finding joy in the journey.
For more pastoral reflections, click here.