Combating Generalizations of Preachers/ Pastors

 Preachers sometimes have a bad reputation in society. Another scandal, another stereotype, another falling short of expectations. There is even a discussion on physical stereotypes of ministers: skinny jeans, polo shirts, and sometimes out of shape white males.

I thought I'd take a few minutes to bring up generalizations I often hear about a preachers' character and work traits. Here are the expressions of angst and some reasons behind the generalizations I often hear for the dislike of those in ministry work.

1. The often come off as knowing it all, they've been there and done that and think they can change the church overnight. Very prideful, and Big heads, unapproachable.

2.  They're always out for your wallet. All they want is your money and to get rich. Bigger is better. Thus the more $$ the more they look good.

3. They lack personal and unbalanced work skills. Extremes - either too lazy (work only one hour a week) or overwork but never take a day off and neglect their family.

4. They tend to be program centered. They focus on the next BIG thing, the next Big Event, Try to get people to come to them. What you win them to is what you have to keep them with.

5. They have poor conflict resolution skills. They try to avoid the conflict.

6. They spend too much time talking about ministry, but are they actually doing it? Oh, pastors like to talk, and get feathers in their cap, but what are they actually doing? 

7. Their EGO. (See #1) I hear comparing of churches. so what size is your church? How many did you have on Sunday? How many staff members? etc. It becomes a competition, rather than partnership.

8. Lack of planning. Accountability, stewardship, Vision, mission, etc. come to mind but also so does the everyday. Sermon series, plans etc.

I hope this doesn't come across as I dislike those in the ministry. I am in the trenches. The reasons above are just a drop in the bucket of what I've seen and heard. There are great many preachers and teachers of God's Word out there who have dealt with these criticisms in their lives and go above and beyond the Call. I really do love Preachers, but the generalizations like the above give the ministry a bad reputation, let's try to do better. Who's with me?