Yesterday afternoon, I talked with a friend on the phone who has been a pastor for more than twenty-five years. He’s an upbeat, optimistic guy who has brilliant ideas and loves shepherding the people who come to his church. I have always thought being a pastor is one of the hardest things a person could do, but my friend makes it look easy. It never occurred to me how hard his job was until I asked him how I could pray for him. He told me that the coming week was going to be difficult, that he had to officiate two funerals, one of them a suicide. He said he’d done many funerals, but these two were very close to his heart.
Can you imagine having to speak at a funeral? Moreover, can you imagine having to speak for God at a funeral? Can you imagine having to speak for God at a wedding, even? And not only that, can you imagine having to preach a sermon every week, lead a staff, counsel broken marriages, provide vision for a community, and all under the microscope of a small percentage of people that would judge you if you drove a nicer car than they?
In my speaking career, I’ve spoken in hundreds of churches, and you know, I’ve never met an arrogant pastor. Not once. I’m not saying they aren’t out there, because they are, but I think an arrogant pastor is an exception to the rule. Some pastors have failed their congregations, but there are many more who haven’t. Most pastors got into their jobs because they loved people and they loved God and they wanted the two to meet. I actually think pastors are some of the most important people in our communities.
Here are ten reasons pastors are important.
1. They lead social movements that change the world.
2. They speak truths that create guardrails to keep us out of danger and stop us from hurting each other.
3. They introduce us and remind us about God, who redeems us and guides us in love.
4. They model good marriages and families (Your mind may have gone to an exception, but quickly list five who do. It’s an easy list to create.)
5. They bring people together to live and work in community.
6. They counsel hurting and broken people.
7. They bring the presence of God into the most dark and painful circumstances.
8. Most of them could be making lots more money doing something else, but they sacrifice to build God’s kingdom.
9. They put up with our crap.
10. Because without them the world would be unimaginably dark.
I put together this list so that I could understand exactly why I was so grateful for pastors, because I wanted to know why I liked them when I shook their hands. I didn’t want vague notions, I wanted hard reasons. I suspect this list will grow. I spent a bit of the day praying for my friend, and I’m going to remember to pray for my pastor friends more often. I think they’re an under-appreciated bunch. I hesitate to imagine a world without them.
Tell us why your pastor is important to you, would you? Lots of pastors read this blog, and your comments will be encouraging!
P.S. That picture is of a friend of mine named Luis Palau. He’s a worldwide evangelist here in Portland who I love. I figured he wouldn’t mind me using a picture of him posing as a church pastor when he’s really only a pastor to a few small continents. Thanks Luis!
Don, the fact that you’re blogging is wonderful. These posts are greatly appreciated.
I’m not a pastor, but reading this and knowing how much it will encourage my pastor friends encourages me. Thank you for that.
#9 speaks to my never-content heart. I’m in para-church ministry; we’re supposed to work alongside the church, but often I feel I create more work for my pastor. I’m supposed to create less work than the average parishioner, but I don’t. Thanks, Pastor.
Same here Judd.
I love my pastor a ton, and I owe him a lot… but he never expects it… but just hopes and prays for me.
To add to this, why my pastor is so important to me… well, before he was my pastor, he was willing to listen to a spinning, confused wreck of a person and encourage and direct me… and I wasn’t even his responsibility…
His wife and him have modeled an incredible marriage to my husband and I, and it’s changed ours and made it stronger than ever! We went from two people who lived together for 12 years to a committed marriage of 14 years who would reup in a moment! (in fact next year we are planning on it!)
He challenges the junk out of me… sometimes I want to pull out my hair, but I appreciate it at the same time. Just knowing him makes me a better person… probably the hardest iron I’ve ever come against.
He’s taught me what servant leadership really is. What this dude and his family go through to just keep things running and keep being the servants they are to us astounds me on a weekly basis. It keeps me on my knees for them and challenges me to push harder and serve harder.
I’m grateful that 3 years ago he opened his heart and congregation to me, and has let me become a part of this incredible family, and allowed me to serve them with my life.
I’m grateful because I went from a rebellious pharisee to a fully committed Christ follower, who doesn’t always get it wrong but will die trying.
Thanks Pastor Jeff.
Thanks for that post! I am a PK, my dad has been a pastor in the Nazarene church since the 70′s. It is hard being a pastor’s son because you not only see the good things in the church, but also the bad. I have seen my father be mistreated by church members, and this made me bitter for some time. I don’t know how he weathered some of those storms, but he did, and probably due to people like you showing their appreciation for him. I don’t know how anyone could stand up to all the pressure of the position, and constantly being “on call” for all church members without crumbling. Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to put that on your blog. I will def be forwarding this to him.
Refreshing words, here, Don. Like some of your other readers, I am a pastor’s kid. It is a label that defines me — in some ways for good, and in some, for pain. Your post reminds me of one I wrote while I was working through this part of my identity. I’d welcome you (or any of your readers) to read this part of my journey. http://livingpalm.blogspot.com/2009/05/confession-part-3-disciplines-for-inner.html
Thank you again for writing kind words about people like my Dad.
As a retired pastor I can add to the list. A pastor often deals with endless paperwork, insurance companies, trustees, construction workers on projects, managing a staff, teaching, many nights and weekends at meetings and more meetings, representing the church at community events, ball games, being visible in the comunity, few nights at home, on call 24/7, called out for deaths and emergencies during the night, having family plans difficult to make and keep, continuing education, service to denomination, need to know about building projects,contracts, hiring, firing, trusts, estate planning,goal setting, training leadership, keeping up with technology, use of technology in church during worship, recruiting, fund raising, sermon planning, prayers time, research, worship planning and coordination, coordinating lay leadership, etc. Self care care is vital but difficult to accomplish with sermons to write, constant interruptions for funerals and emergencies and congregational visitations in the home, hospitals, nursing homes, doing worship at nursing homes, the list goes on. The love and grace of God and loving to connect people with God are priceless and were a joy for many years. I just thought of more things. The lack of privacy in the home and outside the home (living in a fish bowl)always being available to church folk even when trying to shop, bank,and spend time with family. It is hard to find the balance with family, personal time, dreaming, visioning, exercise, study, writing and the church.
I work as an intern training to be a pastor. Working directly with my pastor I can only wholeheartedly agree with all you say because I have seen it and been apart of it. It is a chaotic and time consuming life style. It is generally a very thankless job. You can pout all your heart and energy into something only to see others recognized or to have it torn apart and fail. Without love for God, and for people it would be impossible. Anyone who looks at being a pastor as a job will fail, it is a calling and a life style.
Hi Don! John from Belfast, N. Ireland here. I work for Wycliffe Bible Translators. I’m going to post about this blog on my blog and dedicate it to my friend and pastor Alistair Bill. Alistair came to visit us during our time in Cote d’Ivoire with Wycliffe and really “got” what we were doing. Now that I’m home-based, we go walking most mornings at 6.45am… solve the problems of the world or just walk in companionable silence. He is a good man.
Because of some awesome pastors around me and the relationships I watched them build, I’m exploring becoming a pastor myself. Thanks for everything all of you do.
My father is a pastor. And I love him dearly.
He works constantly on the building our church is in(to clean it up and tile floors, renovate it) and runs errands, teaches and preaches sermons, outreaches to the people outside our church and still is home for dinner and with a smile on his face too. I so appreciate his wisdom and constant devotion to God and his seeking heart. He has about a thousand or two books about God.. commentaries, devotionals you name it.
I love him.
[...] So why am I blogging about Donald Miller’s blog Ten Reasons Pastors are Important? [...]
I think it’s important to note that one of the best things about pastors is that for the most part, they are obviously not perfect and make mistakes, and they acknowledge this, but they don’t let it get in the way of their job. Which is important, because some people, often people in their own congregations, will fault them when they mess up, but part of their job (sadly) is holding their heads high through that sort of thing. (See #4) My pastor’s marriage didn’t work out, but the not-working-out was actually handled quite beautifully I thought, and his ex-wife is wonderful, and they’re wonderful parents to their daughter. Many people of our congregation reacted pretty badly, some left our church, but those of us who stayed… we truly believe in this man. He is a good man and a good pastor regardless of these past events.
[...] here to read the article! « The Story of God [...]
Last couple of days have been those days where I’ve been rethinking my calling. Your post is something I needed to hear. It never ceases to amaze me how God heals and reaches out to us through the words and humble offering of others. Thanks for planting.
Your comments about pastors made me smile. I just had dinner last night with my pastor and his wife trying to figure a few things out in my life. I don’t know what I’d do without the community I have in my church!
Hmmm. Why are my Pastors important to me? I have three, so you know. One leads with teaching and example, another with art, design, music-and example. The last, (but not least), died last year. He is in Heaven but still important to me because he held true to his faith though he doubted…and lead by example. All three LOVE people well. Is it not our purpose to be like mirrors reflecting the one we serve?..not just do what He would do?
I am a Chaplain-not a Pastor-and know from a different perspective the expectations of people for those in positions as “clergy”…it is not easy to keep your balance on a pedestal you did not choose as a perch.
Applause to Pastors. *clapclapclap**
a friend sent me a link to your page and as a pastor, thanks for the shout-out. but i would also share that its just really and truly an immense priviledge and blessing from god to serve in this way – people give you entrance into the most important parts of their lives – its a holy gift – to be at the bedside of those who are dying and to learn from the saints among us and to pray with people who can’t and to preach the word and preside at the meal.
Thanks Don for speaking about pastors…I’m one of them…back in the pastorate after 16 years trying to stay away. Thanks for the encouragement. Blessings, Tom
You know, at my old church I got really close to the pastor and his family…actually it was the case with two pastors and their families that had been appointed to our church during the time I was a member. Those relationships changed my life. Now having moved to a different state I attend a huge church, much unlike my little church back home. The pastor isn’t as accessible to all the members (with good reason), therefore I hadn’t really thought about how much I appreciate pastors. This blog was a good reminder.
Great list Don. I think of my pastor who will remain nameless but who, while leading a church and several organizations exploding with growth and impact, still makes investing in young people his number one priority. His commitment to raising up the next generation of leaders with substantial cost to himself (in time and money) is inspiring to me and makes me very grateful.
This was such a good reminder for me that the majority of pastors truly do have a heart for others and that their lives are by no means a picnic. Unfortunately for me, I have had several run ins with the arrogant minority (its been years ago now), but after being burned several times I think I’m still somewhat gun shy. I hope and pray that isn’t always the case. That someday I’ll genuinely be able to enter a church again and be at ease, perhaps even share the story God’s brought me through with this being just a part of it. I know after reading this though, I’m still nowhere close to that point, as this definitely brought up some past feelings I wish weren’t there. It’s all good though – God’s just pointing out those areas in my life He and I still need to work on.
Thank you for this. It was a great post!
thought you would all enjoy this….
http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi1052050713
Pamela,
That was truly beautiful. I’d like to blog about that soon. I am wondering when it will come out, or has it already? And she’s right here in Portland, too. Looks like it will be a great little series.
Don
That was so touching. Thanks for sharing.
Luis is an evangelist and part of those committed to reaching lost people in cities across the world. Pray for him. God Bless. www. winthecity.org
Thank you Don. My husband is a pastor, and this is so appreciated.
It’s so easy to take our pastors for granted, so thanks for this, Don! I will be praying for the pastor of my church regularly now.
[...] came across this blog post by author Donald Miller, called Ten Reasons Pastors are Important. He’s talking about preachers, but I feel like his list could apply to all clergy. The whole [...]
Thanks Don, I needed that!
Pastor Mark
[...] http://donmilleris.com/2010/03/31/ten-reasons-pastors-are-important/ [...]
Thanks for understanding. You refreshed me on a day which found me sagging a bit.
my Pastor creates guardrails for me all the time…I’ll forward this on to him.
What a great article to blog right before Easter. This is so true! Our pastoral staff is amazing and always thinking about the best for the flock that God has put them in charge of! I definitely believe that people expcet way too much out of real people loving them and wanting the best for all of them! God protect the Pastors and keep their identity in you!
As a preacher’s kid, I can only tell you how true #9 is! But, I must say, that my father is the most gracious and Godly man I know. He is accepting of everyone, no matter what political stance they take, what they have done in the past, or what they believe. Thank you, Don, for this list. Pastors don’t hear things like this very often.
My husband is a pastor and so is my best friend Ginger. I admire them both because they continue to do the right thing even when it is hard and even when people criticize them for ridiculous things. They both believe in their calling and live it out ( and do not get paid enough for all their hard work.) I am honored to know them both and to be blessed by having them in my life.
Thanks for blogging about this. In a time when it is easy to become cynical about the church and critique its every move, from carpet color choices to worship song choices, we need to come alongside these brothers and encourage them often. It can be such a lonely position. Looking at your list Don, you have touched on some tough duties there. I appreciate my pastors and need to let them know that.
[...] Miller on 10 reasons pastors are important. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Links of the WeekOct 1208 Saggy defends [...]
Just wanted to say how very blessed we are to have not just one but many amazing pastors at our church Christian Assembly in Eagle Rock CA. Mark Pickerill, Kathy Christopher and Cheryl Fletcher especially for me have modeled what it looks like to have a heart that loves God, serves others, but also remains authentic and real in front of a whole bunch of needy, broken, messy people. We are blessed with an amazing group of pastors and I am grateful for them all.
Hey Don, everything you said is true. I left what I thought was a pretty cool career to go seminary and to become a pastor. Now as one pastor of several at a large church, I am amazed at the other guys I serve with. They really love Jesus and I am the least of those guys. They make it look easy. They love people and God. And while they have their days when they have problems, I learn a boatload from them. I am just thankful that someone noticed how hard a gig this is. It is a supernatural task that requires lots of prayer and guts. Pray for a pastor, love your pastor, and send his wife a note today!
My husband is a youth pastor. Since we’ve been married I’ve seen the behind-the-doors work. The tears he’s shed over his students’ circumstances and the sincere & heart-wrenching prayers he has offered on their behalf. He loves them. He’s a father figure to those who don’t have a dad in their life, and also to some who do. It’s humbling and sad when a kid asks you to pray for them because their parents don’t care to know God and they sincerely don’t know of anyone who would pray for them. It’s the behind the scenes stuff that makes me so grateful for pastors.
Thank you for reminding me. My husband came out of the corporate world to follow his heart and I am truly proud of him and his decision. We truly trust Him for His provisions instead of relying entirely on ourselves.
A friend of mine in the Czech Republic sent me a link to this post. I was writing in my journal the other day how amazed I am that God allows me to be a pastor and teacher. The people he has placed me among strengthen me in innumerable ways.
Along with our day-after-day walking in our callings in this community, we gather each weekend, and I have the tremendous privilege of pointing them to our King and joining them in responding, “Wow! What a great God!”
Sure there are heartaches. What life doesn’t have them? But studying and teaching God’s Word . . . leading people to worship with their entire lives . . . loving and being loved as we walk together in this life . . . I cannot imagine a greater joy!
Enjoyed reading this! My parents pastor our church here in NC and I have seen and lived the sacrifices that are made and experienced, and have been caught in the middle of, the “crap” they have put up with
…But they do it all with a heart that beats with God’s..and yet they still manage to keep together a beautiful family through it all. So I definitely have the best Pastor 
and appreciate him for everything he has done.
Thanks pastor, especially for #9
Fantastic write up brother. “They put up with our crap” – loved that line.
[...] read a post the other day by Don Miller titled 10 Reasons Pastors Are Important . As a member of the clergy it would be somewhat arrogant to tell you these things myself, so [...]
I also love comics, for me the best rest is to read the comics.
The pastor at our church is very arrogant, and it’s so hard! He pretends to care about people, and hurts families so often. I’m in the process of leaving, and he’s so controlling, he won’t let me go. Hmmm…..