True or False: Addressing Myths about Pastors

As we continue our study on the meaning, role, and qualities of a pastor, perhaps it is also a good time to address common misconceptions about pastors. Misunderstanding what a pastor is and does often leads to unbiblical expectations, unhealthy church dynamics, and a diminished view of pastoral ministry. The clarifications below aim to restore a biblical understanding of what pastors are called to be and do.

1. All Pastors Are the Same

• Misunderstanding – All pastors are gifted in exactly the same way.

• Correction – God gives various gifts to different leaders (Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:11). Some may excel in preaching from the pulpit and others may excel in teaching in a Grow Class. There may be others who are more gifted in the personal ministry of the Word, shepherding, or administration. While all should display biblical qualifications and character, Christ gifts pastors with a diversity of gifts to build the body of Christ.

  
  

2. The Pastor Should Do All the Ministry

• Misunderstanding – The pastor is expected to do all the ministry– preaching, counseling, administrating, discipling, evangelizing, etc.

• Correction – While it is true that the pastor should lead the church in all these areas, He is called to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-12). Ministry is shared across the body of Christ and is never a one man show.

  
  

3. The Pastor Only Works on Sundays

• Misunderstanding – The bulk of a pastor’s work consists of preaching a sermon on Sunday morning.

• Correction – Pastoral ministry includes much more than preaching. Pastoral ministry primarily consists of “shepherding the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:1-4). Shepherding the flock also consists in teaching, prayer, study, counseling, crisis care, leadership, and often unseen labor (2 Tim. 4:2; Acts 20:28). The pastor fulfills these duties at all hours and times.

  
  

4. The Pastor Should Make Everyone Happy

• Misunderstanding – The pastor’s job is to avoid conflict, please the people, and keep the peace at all cost.

• Correction – Pastors are called to biblical faithfulness. Often times, they have to address hard things and have difficult conversations. Since biblical faithfulness is contrary to carnal mindedness, pastors often have to lead in unpopular ways. His primary aim is not to please the people but to please Christ.

  
  

5. The Pastor’s Family Should Be Perfect

• Misunderstanding – The pastor’s wife and kids must meet the same biblical qualifications as the pastor does.

• Correction – While pastors must lead their homes well (1 Tim. 3:4-5), their families are not exempt from the normal struggles of life that everyone else faces. Their children are sinners in need of saving grace just like every other child. Likewise, pastor wives often have to live with the pressure of the high expectation of others. The pastor’s family should be supported instead of scrutinized as we all grow in grace together.

6. Pastors are the Ultimate Authority in the Church

• Misunderstanding – The pastors are the sole decision makers in the church.

• Correction – Biblical church leadership is shared among a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). This prevents any one pastor from being the sole authority. While the pastors lead the congregation, they are accountable both to Christ as the ultimate authority and to the congregation in matters of doctrine, discipline, and membership. This prevents any sort of authoritarianism within the church.

  
  

7. Pastors Never Struggle

• Misunderstanding – Pastors are expected to be emotionally strong at all times and immune to sin, anxiety, depression, or burnout.

• Correction – Even faithful men like Paul, Elijah, and Jeremiah experienced deep discouragement and emotional struggle (2 Cor. 1:8-9; 1 Kings 19:4). Pastors are not perfect. Even they need God’s grace, support, rest, and community just like everyone else.