I wrote about ministers last week. and I’m continuing now. 

One of the hardest things a minister faces is expectations. Members of churches often have expectations of their ministers that are sometimes at odds with those of the minister. That’s inevitable. 

What do we at Joy expect? We put it this way in our Constitution: “Every minister of Word and Sacrament shall: preach the Word, administer the sacraments, conduct public worship; provide pastoral care, seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel, impart knowledge of this church and its wider ministry through available channels of effective communication, witness to the Kingdom of God in the community, in the nation, and abroad, speak publicly to the world in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, advocating dignity, justice, and equity for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, caring for the marginalized, and embracing and welcoming racially and ethnically diverse populations.”

This isn’t multiple choice. Pastors are supposed to do all of this. Some are better at one ministry than another, but I tell you from personal experience you make a go of it as best as you can.

What should a pastor expect from a congregation? Their prayers, their encouragement, and above all a commitment to live out the Christian life to the best of their understanding and ability. No Christian has ever managed to do this perfectly, but we have to give it our best effort.

May God bless all of us as we carry out our calling together.

Read 1 Peter 4:10-11 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne