Thom S. Rainer, “Five of the Most Difficult Challenges for Pastors”

Every occupation has its challenges. Pastoral ministry is no exception. When one begins ministry, we often think we will be the exception to the rule. But it does not take long to realize through experience that there are no exceptions.

As a pastor, consultant and president of Lifeway, Rainer has both experienced personally and heard numerous accounts of some of those difficulties. To the question, “What specific part of being a pastor is the most difficult for you?” Rainer answered by listing five of those challenges:

1. Responding graciously to someone right before you preach.
2. Knowing what do with a staff member who is not making a vital contribution to the church.
3. Loving a person in the church when that person is your critic.
4. Preparing more than one quality sermon a week.
5. Doing the funeral of a person who was not a Christian.

How would you answer this question? What would you add to the list? One I can add – doing marital counseling when my wife and I were in the midst of a conflict ourselves. Or another – preaching on an issue you know you have not yet resolved, or with which you still struggle.

(Repost originally shared May 2012 via alternate media.)