Discussions on topics difficult to navigate when pastoring a congregation 

Presumptions made from the system I currently work within: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

The litany of complaints is endless. Pastors who lament the number of members in their congregation who believe the pastor should be in 1 of 3 places when working:

• the church/church office
• the hospital for a member
• a members home

I have been told myself that my time in the community is mine(off the clock) and should not be “billed” to the church. From the same voice I have also heard that it is largely my responsibility to bring in new members and also be an advocate in the local community. Do you see the disconnect here?

The root of the issue is that we tend to think of a pastor as belonging to a certain church and because that church pays them, they work for them and them alone. We could not be further from the truth.

In my denomination we use the word “call” for the job/employment of a pastor as well as the invitation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This can lead to confusion over who we are “called” by when hired by a congregation.

Let me be very clear: A Pastor is only called by the Holy Spirit. We may be called into a place, a congregation, a ministry and may hear that call through the voices of human beings, but the reality is, only the Holy Spirit moves us to be there. And as such, our call belongs solely to the Divine.

In the ELCA as in many denominations, we have an ordaining body who holds our “rostered” status. This is the proof that we have been properly educated, background checked, psych tested, and reviewed by a body of believers and at least 3 congregations(sponsorship/candidacy, internship, and 1st call) for evidence of God working and calling in our life.

We are hired and paid by a congregation. But we do not belong to them. In our vows we do not vow to any individual congregation. We do not even vow to a denomination, rather we commit to fall within their guidelines and structure. We vow to God and to God’s people. All of God’s people. And guess what? That is every human on earth (according to my faith).

When we are “Called” to a local congregation and installed we commit to preach, teach, and administer the sacraments. No where in that commitment does it say that this is only for that individual congregation. It can’t be, because the very root of Christianity is sharing and open practice which means anyone is welcome to commune and worship, to learn, and listen.

Congregations must remember that they are more like a sponsor to the pastor, agreeing to pay and provide a place to preach, teach, and administer the sacraments, but that the pastor is doing God’s work, not the congregations. And they are doing that work among the WHOLE community, not just the congregation.

Pastors do not belong to any congregation. We commit primarily to them, but our job is to be in the world(community) sharing the love of God. We do that by being in the community. We cannot do that from an office all day. We cannot do that by only tending to the members of a congregation. We must be involved and engaged with the whole of our community.

That gift of living beside fellow community members is part of my call from the divine and is the call of all faith leaders- to be open and caring for all of humanity because we are all tied together. When we limit ourselves to only the nurture and care of our congregation, we not only fail in evangelism, but we fail to honor our vows and so does the congregation. Because they also vow to support us in the ministry God calls us to.

I will pray with, teach with, learn with, eat with anyone. Because my lord did the same. And he did not belong to anyone but God. Your pastor does not belong to you. It is your joy to sponsor them for the work God calls them into for the whole of the community they are in. That is your evangelism, your faithfulness to God, your commitment when you drop money in the offering plate. You are supporting a pastor for the whole community. What a blessing to be able to do so.