Who Will You Run To?
No, not the song by Heart but a curious poll question.
I have been in pastoral ministry for 23 years and have seen a shift away from church members approaching their pastor with a problem. It didn’t always be this way. Growing up in my home church I can remember our pastor having normal appointments during the week with church members. Church members wanted to come and speak with him about life and what they were dealing with.
I have many friends in ministry and the days of talking with your pastor about your problems are mostly over.1 So I wanted to do another poll and this time ask:
Who do you turn to when you have a problem? Whether spiritual, emotional, marital, etc.?
I have made it abundantly clear to the congregation I serve that I am here for them and available for any issue they may have. I get very little response and other pastors I speak with in our area and beyond have the same results.
So I hope you’ll answer the poll question and if you’d like to give your thoughts please comment.
At least in Central Virginia, they are.
If you need to reach out, I’m here.
I hope this does not sound arrogant, but as a 64 year old man I have heard more sermons, read more books, and probably read more scripture than my pastor. I may not know biblical languages, but can read commentaries, etc. I guess I just don't see the pastor, apart from exhortation, providing anything I can't get for myself.
As for problems, I talk w my wife, go it alone, or in rare circumstances, share concerns w a brother.