Thank you, though, for putting things into perspective.

I think part of why rural pastors (such as Deborah’s) get so burned out is that they have to do it all…or they believe they have to. Fifty years, and believing that you’ve built the church into what it is, can really lend itself to proprietorship. Somebody might have already said that. It’s sad that it’s actually crippling the spiritual growth of those in the congregation when that happens.

It’s frustrating, having been there and done that myself, both in having attended at Deborah’s church and in experiencing a church split elsewhere…the one thing I’ve learned is to never participate in bad-mouthing God’s man. Even if I want to be sympathetic. It’s hard to keep your mouth shut when you feel the criticism is warranted. I hate what losing our pastor did to my family, so what better lesson to me of how not to be?

That’s another thing I get tired of – everybody crying about pastors not making enough money. Although in this case, that could be a legitimate complaint.

My expectation is that, if a pastor is expected to work full-time, he should be paid something comparable to what the people in the church make at their secular jobs.

Min, I agree that 3 years is too short. If I were organising a church governance, I would suggest longer (but perhaps not much more than 5 years… fortunately it is not a decision I have to make though!)

I think it was Rebecca that mentioned pastors doing hospital visitation and such. I do think that the deacons and elders of the church should share this, freeing the pastor to study and ‘equip the saints’. One man can not possibly take care of the needs of his entire congregation. Therefore he teaches, ‘equips the saints’ so that they may be able to help with some of those types of things. That way, each person is practicing and using their spiritual gifts.

This discussion about length of service is very interesting. I really respect our pastor for how he is handling it. He has pastored this church for something like 19 years and is now moving on to work with one of our partner ministries in town. Honestly, the week before he announced it, I had been wondering if he would ever retire. Not because of anything wrong with him, he’s an excellent teacher and a wonderful godly man.

But a couple of things have happened because of the length of his service: the size of the church has outgrown his specific skill set and … well, let’s just say, the homogeny (is that a word?) problem described by Stephen.

While our pastor search team is sorting through hundreds of applicants (many who didn’t even follow the basic directions for applying!), our current pastor is able to stay as long as he is needed. When someone new comes in, he will make himself scarce for a while and then plans to continue to worship and serve with us as a member of the body.

This should all be interesting to see!

To me, it’s definitely something that the pastor and congregation should be aware of– that people can get stale– and should be in prayer over. A good good-bye is better than the other options.

But the answer need not be the congregational form where pastors can be voted out. Instead, something akin to the methodists might work – where a minister is contracted to the chuirch for a fixed period and must move on at the end of the contract (unless special dispensation is given to extend it to complete a certain work or fixed term project).

I think maybe the 3 years that the methodists (here at least) impose may be a little too short. But the idea is right. If there are problems with the pastor, don’t worry. He will move on soon. In the meantime, methodists encourage lay participation in the church. And there need be no damaging church splits between those voting for the pastor and those voting against.

The downside is that if you get a really good pastor, you must share him with another congregation in a few years time. Whilst this *is* a downside, it means that the church cannot rely on the pastor for its identity and mission. And that can be a positive thing.

I had noticed his wife (our worship leader, intercessor leader, altar leader and sometimes pastor) looks sooo exhausted and tired and always feeling sick with her throat back and all kinds of ailments. To top all that off, she is also a full-time housekeeper, sometimes cleaning 3 or 4 homes a day and homeschools her son.

My pastor does not have a job and as far as I know, only counsels people.

So, this really bothers me and I know it shouldn’t, because it is none of my business, but I hate seen my friend sooo tired all the time and always feeling weak.