Labor Day from a Pastor’s Perspective

Have you every wondered what its like to do the work of a pastor? Check out some of these points I shared on Facebook to help give God’s people an insight into the daily grind of being a pastor.

1. LONG HOURS: Pastors, like most business owners or CEO’s, work over 50-60 hours per week (some work closer to 70hrs- thats roughly six 12hr days).

2. UNREASONABLE EXPECTATIONS: According to Thom S. Rainer (church leadership guru), if a pastor did everything most congregations think they “should do” they would have to work over 160 hours per week (there is only 168hrs in a week).

3. WORK OVERLOAD: Now because of the low economy and rising cost of living expenses many pastors have to work another job, their wives need to work outside of the home and in church, and they have to always take on extra work (like remodeling, maintenance, finances, etc) due to a smaller staff.

4. GUILT: Most pastors fight feelings of guilt when either taking a day off or a vacation because they always know they could be doing something in the ministry (taking calls, counseling, etc) and someone might think they were neglected.

5. HIGH DROP OUT: Lastly, due to stress, public scrutiny, long hours, little rest, family pressure, and below average income only 10% of pastors make it to retirement age (65yrs old).

Having said all that I would ask that sometime today while you are resting from your labor you would please consider praying for your pastor(s) and ask God to strengthen them to “fight the good fight of faith,” “manage their families well,” and “finish their race!”

Have a great day!