Mistakes New Pastors Are Susceptible To

1. Trying to please everyone. Jesus couldn't do it. Paul couldn't do it. Timothy couldn't do it and neither can the first time pastor nor the seasoned pastor. Your first responsibility is to God . Be sure to seek Him and focus on team ministry with your leadership. Continually reach out to new people and emphasize ministry to children and youth. Seek to equip new leaders. The Apostle Paul said, ". . .I am made all things to all men that, that I might by all means save some." He was speaking in the context of winning the lost, not pampering every petty, pet peeve that people have.

2. Taking things too personal. People are going to say and do things that will be offensive - keep your feelings at the foot of the cross. People are going complain and criticize - consider what they say, filter out and keep what is helpful and use it for bettering your pastoral ministry. Throw the rest into the invisible file thirteen. Maintain a caring spirit but know that you cannot go into a pastorate as an investigator, sheriff or savior of the church. There is only one Captain, Master, Savior and Lord. Preach and teach the truth in love and don't apologize for it. Some will accuse or insinuate that you use the pulpit for "brow-beating" the members. Feel confident in your heart that what you preach is from the Lord and anointed by the Holy Spirit.

3. Having a short-term success syndrome. It takes two to three years for a pastor to get acquainted with the community, the church and the people. Pastorates of two-three years are usually based on a pastor's lack of stick-to-it-ability and lack of vision casting and dissemination. Go into a pastorate with conviction and and seek God for a vision for staying a long time - 7, 10, 15, 20 years or more. (It is understood that some churches have serious problems and will not grow. The pastor who stays on is simply biding their time.) However, some churches will not grow until old patterns, habits, and problems leave and a new motivational impetus takes over. Churches vary in size and ministry. A local church should be vibrant and alive, no matter what size it is in number. Don't be pushy but be progressive and pro-active. Encourage fervent worship in Spirit and truth. Be an example in worship, evangelism and discipleship.


Most of the above I have learned from experience (good and not so good). If it can help some minister, I am thankful. Milton Gordon