Life in the Fishbowl - by Craig Groeschel

The following was written by Pastor Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.tv. I've mentioned Craig Groeschel a number of times over the years on this blog. He has a great insight into life, and I really respect how he goes about his ministry. Plus he has done great things to spread the name of Jesus Christ!

Life in the Fishbowl

from LifeChurch.tv : swerve by Craig Groeschel

Those who are not in vocational ministry may not understand this week’s discussion. (Even when I was an associate pastor, I didn’t fully understand the public pressure my pastor’s family faced.)

Right or wrong, when you’re a pastor, people’s expectations of you change.

• Some believe you are holier than you could humanly achieve. Others are skeptical, secretly hoping you’ll fail.

• Some sincerely hope your family is materially blessed. Others think your family should barely be above the poverty line.

• Many will have very high expectations of your kids. Some will privately (or publicly) gloat when your kids fail.

• Some people will want to be close to you simply because you’re a pastor. Others will be too nervous to be themselves around you.

• Some will extend irrational love toward you and your family. Others will be easily offended (and dislike you) over something you would consider a minor misunderstanding.

• Some will almost worship you (even though you don’t want it). Many of those same people will leave your church before the end of this year.

• The joy of intimate Christian relationships for pastors couldn’t be greater. The pain and loss of broken relationships will haunt you throughout your ministry.

The life of a pastor isn’t better or worse than others. But it is different. This week we’ll talk about how to handle some of those differences.