Pastoral ministry is a difficult, and often misunderstood, vocation. Pastors are often expected to be expert communicators, executive leaders, marketing specialists, competent counselors, business / financial administrators, biblical scholars, technological experts, accomplished authors, organizational growth gurus, and effective at interpersonal and intercultural relationships. While no one person can fill all of those roles, the reality of church sizes means that the majority of pastors lead small churches where they are the only staff person and often minister bivocationally. Many do not have big platforms or salaries, but still labor under expectations that cannot be met. Many pastors struggle with feeling guilty that they are always letting somebody down.
Pastoral burnout can be high. Years of experiencing the loss (and sometimes trauma) of ministering to faith communities in times of deep need can lead even the most balanced and mature pastors to consider throwing in the towel. Pastors rarely have time to grieve fully as they lead their communities through loss. The changing role of the church in society, coupled with high levels of criticism, can influence many pastors to question their vocation. Yet for many, vocational ministry is all they have the experience or passion to do. Where are they to go?
We at Winebrenner Seminary would like to thank all of you faithfully serving in pastoral ministry. We see you; but more importantly, God sees you. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). You cannot control the outcome, for “God gives the growth” (1 Cor. 3:7). You may never see the results of many of your labors, but continue to be faithful to the call of God on your life. More than being effective, God calls you to be faithful. While many may expect you to be a jack-of-all-trades, God leads you to be present with people with your whole self, pointing those around you to God’s presence.
This is, of course, not an excuse for doing things badly. This is why we at Winebrenner have made quality training affordable and accessible. By making tuition low, delivery methods flexible, and class times workable, we are doing what we can to support you in your challenging and important work. We recognize that some of the primary contributors to pastoral frustration and burnout are inadequate access to support or a lack of formation. While we cannot take away the challenges you face, by God’s grace we can equip you and prepare you for them (and help you stay faithful in the midst of them).
Unprepared leaders (or leaders with unresolved traumas or unhealed wounds) can do damage to themselves and others. This is why Winebrenner supports whole-person growth: spiritual, mental, emotional, and academic. As pastors, you have a difficult job, but you also have a great and good God! Your Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer desires to walk alongside and uphold you as you walk alongside others. We want to be one more support in your journey. Thank you for being you and for doing the work God has called you to! During this Pastoral Appreciation Month, Winebrenner celebrates you.
Rev. Dr. Andrew T. Draper, Executive Director