This is the fourth and final blog about the top 8 issues pastors struggle with the most. In Part 1 we looked at criticism of conduct and family problems. Part 2 focused on stress, depression and burnout. Part 3 dealt with sexual issues, and this blog looks at financial problems and time management.
Research reveals the top 8 Issues for Pastors include:
- Criticism of Conduct
- Family Problems
- Stress
- Depression
- Burnout
- Sexual Problems
- Financial Problems
- Time Management
Now, let’s review the final two issues.
#7 Issue – Financial Problems
Research reveals that 70% of pastors are underpaid. Most churches have more vision than dollars to fulfill them and it leads to frustration.
#7 – Keys to Overcoming Financial Problems
- Every church should pay its employees the best they can. No pastor should be paid below the mean salary of its congregation. An underpaid pastor will have stress and pressure that negates faith and freedom.
- Most churches I know are a mile wide and an inch deep. Simply put, you do so many things that you don’t do any of them well. Do a few things well. Before you add to your vision, eliminate some things, if needed, to do your essentials best.
- Teach your people effectively and consistently on how God blesses giving as a kingdom law. Make sure you love them as well.
- Cast vision. People don’t give to need, they give to vision.
#8 Issue – Time-management
Pastors are going in so many directions they often have difficulty juggling their schedules. They marry the living, bury the dead, counsel the afflicted, try to lead leaders, speak with excellence and motivate others to accomplishment. It is hard to balance all of it.
#8 – Keys to Overcoming Time Management
It is human to put things off, but procrastination and lack of planning are “time killers.” Most of us avoid things we think are difficult. Tackle the difficult first so you can get to what you enjoy as a reward. It is how truly successful people work.
- List your priorities and hit them first. (God, You, Family, Ministry, Friends, Hobbies).
- Plan for the following day and into your future. Life does not always go as planned, but it’s easier to get back on course this way.
- Plan time for relaxation and hobbies.
- List your “To Dos”; then prioritize them. Remember preparation is never wasted time.
- Count the cost. Before launching out, make sure you have the people, resources and help to do what you endeavor.
- Review the priorities of your vision daily.
The listing of these issues is not meant to make you feel better because you are not alone or to leave an impression of futility. In the weeks ahead we will deal with each of these issues in more depth to help point you to higher productivity and fulfillment.
I encourage you to read all 4 parts of this series. Choose one or two issues that challenge you most, invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome the stress they cause and implement a few of the recommended strategies above.
This is my prayer for you:
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
