Sadly, many pastors are faithfully and prayerfully are doing as much as they can, but find that this is not enough. There may be great blessing, but somehow there is always more to do. Usually current expectations are so different to those when the pastor began ministry and how they were trained. Many people don’t understand the pressure. While some members are very supportive, some feel let down that their needs are not met. Some openly criticise or oppose the pastor or stir dissent. Many pastors in our city are struggling!
TM PHONED HUNDREDS OF PASTORS in our recent survey.
We spoke to many pastors who were worn out, discouraged and wondering why they were there. There were those who were “just too busy to talk about other things”. There were some who wept on the phone.
Research shows that there are now 14,000 pastors in Australia, but the same number of ex-pastors. These are people who have left their pastoral call, often in a painful and conflicted transition to some other work. This is one of the highest attrition rates from any vocation in our country. (20 years ago the number was 10,000 active and 10,000 ex-pastors).
PASTORS APPRECIATION DAY Sunday 12th October
Transforming Melbourne has initiated a special day for local churches to celebrate their pastors. We invite church members to PLAN NOW to do something special to thank and bless those who minister to them, acknowledging their faithfulness and all they have done for so many.
What about a love offering for them? A “THANK YOU” banner? People standing up in the service to thank them? A Party? A special dinner voucher for their family? Flowers? Cards? SHOWING YOU LOVE THEM!
We hope to this day of encouragement will continue and increase in coming years.