Beyond the Tunnel

For many pastors, finding committed church members can be a challenge at times. When the ‘faithful few’ are found, they are praising God for their dedication and commitment to fulfill the church’s mission in Christ. As the load may lighten for the pastor, it is important that they ensure their faithful members (and all members for that manner) are healthy in all aspects of their lives.

For many members serving and working in ministry, they can experience unhealthy amounts of stress, frustration, and burnout. The ‘weights’ of ministry upon their shoulders can carry over into other areas of their lives such as work and home life. Therefore as a pastor, I believe it is important to consider their members within a ‘whole’ person concept.

What good is it to have faithful members in church (doing the work), but are unable to ‘function’ properly (and representing Christ) within their roles as a parent, boss, co-worker, and friend? There should come a time when the pastor is more interested in the well-being of their members (and their testimony to the world) rather than the work they produce within the church. Pastors cannot turn a ‘blind eye’ to their members. They must be actively involved in their success in all areas.

But what about the members’ responsibility? Shouldn’t they know when to throw in the towel?

Yes, there is a level of responsibility on their part, but they may be so involved and committed that they cannot see (or will not heed) the dangers among them. This is why it will be important for pastors to intervene and ask questions, speak to the family, and conduct other assessments on their members’ health (spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional – in and out of church). It’s not enough to have great testimonies in church and poor ones outside of it. Find ways to care for your members and keep them healthy to finish their race. Don’t allow their ‘light’ to burn out…see beyond the tunnel (vision) of ministry…

^{Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Asier Barrio}