Posted by
Doctor Bart on Thursday, May 15, 2008 12:26:30 AM
I have been thinking a lot about pastors lately, perhaps since I came so close to becoming one last year. Perhaps it is because now that I am speaking at different churches I am working with many different pastors now. Whatever the reason, I am realizing there are a number of things, not all good, that pastors have in common.
One of them is a tendency to give promises a little to easy. I have seen many different pastors say things that were initially very encouraging, but became somewhat discouraging when things didn't materialize.
I have had a pastor read something I had written and say he would love to write a book with me, only to never again mention it. Another pastor, upon hearing me preach for the first time say that he would have me com and teach 6 tims a year. Over Two years later I had spoken three times total, with nothing further scheduled. One pastor specifically stated he valued my friendship and wanted to develop it. He subsequently didn't retunr phone calls or e-mails for 6 months.
The examples could go on for several pages, but the sentiment is the same. When a person in a position of authority says they will do something, they should do it. If hey aren't certain of their ability to follow through, they should keep their mouths shut.
Pastors need to realize that they are held to a higher standard, and people expect them to actually do what they say. I am a mature believer, and these broken promises hurt me. How much more damage is done to those more tender in the faith?