Pastoral Leadership

Pastor Andrea Artioli reported that “he lives in the ‘hot zone’ of the coronavirus outbreak in Northern Italy. He told [readers] as well that his church has been instructed by local authorities that it may not meet for at least the next two weeks. I thought it might prove interesting to ask him a few questions about his experience.” - Challies

“While issues like religious liberty and celebrity pastors garner significant headlines and social media discussion, they rank toward the bottom of the issues pastors say are major concerns facing the Christian church in the U.S. today.” - F&T

“As a bivocational pastor, one of the most hurtful comments I’ve heard over the years is this: ‘Oh, you’re just a part-time pastor?’ ….In reality, there is no such thing as part-time ministry.” - F&T

“For himself, Greear says, idolatry has been a driving factor in times of ministry burnout. ‘That’s because idolatry always puts something out there that you have to obtain … And so there’s always somebody … some success to match. The church has got to be this size. I’ve got to be invited to do this.

“It’s difficult to verbalize a person’s lack of empathy. It seems childish to be peeved over the fact that the pastor’s SUV is the first one out of the parking lot after worship services.

“The latest Gallup survey of Americans’ opinions and trust of specific occupations found clergy improving from 37% last year to 40% in 2020, marking the first increase in a decade. Overall, medical practitioners dominate the top of the list, with nurses ranked highest (85%) for the 18th straight year.” - Facts & Trends

“When politics does come up from the pulpit, a majority of those in the pews (62%) say they agree with their leaders. The political overlap is particularly strong among evangelical Protestants, three-quarters of whom (76%) say they agree with their pastor’s political opinions, the survey found.” - Christianity Today

“Wheaton College President Philip Ryken told ministry leaders that issues of mental health and depression aren’t new to spiritual leaders and can be found in the Bible. He paraphrased the words of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19: ‘I’ve had enough. In fact, I really just want to die.’” - RNS

“If the Bible’s message about human depravity teaches us anything, it warns that no one is exempt from a fall. All are capable of the sins that’ve turned our stomachs the past year.” - Facts & Trends

“I would love for all followers of Jesus to come to a better understanding of 1 Timothy 3:2; not just for my sake, but for the overall health and sanctification of Christ’s body. To that end, I am thankful for the faithful and gracious teaching of Dr. Thomas Schreiner in the video below.” - John Ellis