TOP TEN WAYS TO GET RID OF YOUR PREACHER

by

John D. McArthur, Jr.

The statistics are staggering! On average, a minister stays at a congregation less than five years. The reasons for this short tenure are many and equal blame can be shared by both the minister and the local church. But, let us consider some of the reasons for this trend today caused by the congregation. Among some churches there is a prevailing attitude of "us" versus "them". This mindset subconsciously and subtly keeps a minister at arm's length from the congregation and encourages a continual sending out of resumes.

Of course, no church wants to be labeled as "hard to minister to" but there are ways that communicate to a preacher that he is an expendable entity. And while none of us are indispensable to the Lord's work (He can always find someone else), this attitude of "blaming the coach because the players don't work" forces many qualified workers to rethink their career decisions and look for "greener pastures".

Here then, is a "top 10 list" on how to get rid of your preacher without actually firing him:

Maybe we prefer the term "shade the truth" but our first response when interviewing or being interviewed is to put the best face on everything. We communicate that the church is a shining beacon, filled with loving members, a bright future, and unlimited growth waiting only for the new minister. The previous minister always left for reasons unrelated to the local church and any "dirt" is carefully hidden under the carpet. Of course, when the new minister arrives, he will eventually find the clump under the carpet but by then it will be too late.

In the past, it was assumed everyone would show up on moving day to unpack the U-haul, open boxes, and bring lunch. Now, in the name of privacy or busyness, it is easy to ignore the arrival of the new man. We can justify our neglect by saying we are letting him and his family get settled into their new home. The needs of a minister and his family, however, are the greatest those first few weeks after the move. As busy as they might be, nothing will make them feel more at home than a quick "Hello, we're glad you're here. Can we do anything for you? Do you know where the grocery store, post office, bank, etc. is?" Leaving them alone drives home the loneliness and lost feeling that accompanies any move.

This helps to communicate the temporary nature of the job. It also goes along with item number 10: the pulpit committee declares your ideas and gifts are just what the church needs and when you attempt to implement those ideas, they reject them as being wrong. After my first Christmas at a congregation, I dreamed aloud about how we could celebrate the season next year. A teenage girl, in amazement said, "But you won't be here next Christmas!" The attitude is: you are only here for a while, don't rock the boat.

Different than number 8, this attitude can distance you from any changes. If the idea fails, you can say, "I told you so". Of course, if the program does succeed, the next best approach is to reminisce about how much more effective the program was when you did it or something similar ten or twenty years ago.

This insures the minister will feel like an outsider. He will come to understand he is no more than an adornment to church activities and a spiritual genie who only comes out of his bottle to dispense advice and council when called on by members. Many ministers are able to hang on for years in situations like this but to cope they either make friends outside the congregation or withdraw to their own families.

Gossip, innuendo, and half truths have long been favorite activities among churches trying to get rid of their preacher. It is almost 100% guaranteed to get back to the minister. The most effective criticism is that directed to or at the minister's wife or children. Personal attacks on the minister are often ignored or roll off his back. The preacher's soft underbelly is his family.

Putting the total responsibility of evangelism and calling on the minister will eventually catch up to him. One person cannot do all the work, no matter what the size of the church might be. Not bringing people to church also sends a clear message that something is wrong.

This can be very subjective because numbers can always be manipulated to fit your needs. For instance: January's attendance averaged 150 this year but averaged 170 last year. Those figures may show a noticeable drop in attendance or it may reflect the bad winter this year. An even better tactic with attendance is to harp on the "glory days" of the church. This could be a time when attendance actually was much higher or just a fuzzy memory, made better by time, of the way things use to be. The key is not necessarily actual numbers but feelings. "Church doesn't seem the same anymore. Where is so and so? They haven't been here for weeks." Statements like that, regardless of the actual drop or increase in attendance, can be used to create a negative atmosphere at church.

A preacher once told me he had to move every 3 to 5 years just to get a pay raise. The only time some churches ever look at their pay package is between ministers. Of course, no matter what you offer, sooner or later somebody will accept it either out of desperation for a job or ignorance of his actual financial needs. Or, sometimes a minister will come at a lower pay package if you verbally hint that once the church starts growing, you will review salaries. And if it is inadequate, the preacher will ultimately find somewhere that pays more or he will end up in a terrible financial mess.

Most ministers are not serving to be patted on the back. However, consciously withholding thanks to the worker will lead to burn out and discouragement. Instead of "swelling his head", good honest appreciation for the minister's work will often revitalize his efforts, renew his commitment and restore his enthusiasm for the work in spite of the other nine suggestions listed above.

The challenge of this negative list is to re-examine our attitude and actions to those who serve the local church. If we follow this list, the short tenure of our preacher will come to pass. But if we make a sincere effort to break this vicious cycle we might see more ministers serving in one place longer and our churches, instead of bickering from within, might begin to more effectively reach our communities with the Good News of Jesus.

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