Pastoral Ministry Role

A pastor who is often regarded as the overseer of the church and who serves as a spiritual leader plays out a multi-dimensional role in taking care of the spiritual well being of the people (2. 2). He is expected to carry out his work efficiently, working for the total wellbeing of the community. As stated by Owen C. Carr “being a pastor is probably the most demanding work in the entire world as it demands 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 52 weeks a year” (76). The empirical study affirms that much is expected from the pastors in administering out his roles (Chart No.17 and 20 Cluster B). According to the survey people expect pastors to sing well, be a good worship leader and to be able to bring changes in the church administration, which

5.3.2.1 Availability of the pastor

In pastoral ministry pastors are often expected to avail themselves for the needs of the people. Wagner asserts that “pastors should be available to his people twenty four hours a day and be willing to help them in any crisis or spiritual needs” (24). The empirical study affirms that people expect pastors to avail themselves for the needs of the people and to be present in the church at all times (Chart No.19-20 Cluster A).

Harbaugh asserts that “many of the expectations are things a person can do but mostly at the cost of a great deal of time” (72). This demanding expectation has cost many pastors to sacrifice their personal and family needs in order to meet the unrealistic expectation of the people. Though pastoral work demands a lot of their time, pastors need to know how to balance and manage their time. Hall affirms that, pastors who are unable to manage their time experience “stress, frustration, isolation, spiritual dryness resulting from constant time demands” (240). Therefore, it is essential for those involve in ministry to know how to control and manage one’s

Often in pastoral ministry the expectations are high that many pastors invest a lot of their time in meeting those expectations of the people. These expectations demand that the pastors sacrifice their family and personal needs. Horner asserts that, “life in ministry, even within the specific area of your calling, presents so many issues that compete for time” (29). Lack of quality time with families among the pastors is evident due to the constant engagement with church related work (Chart No.18, 24 Cluster B). As stated by Kay and Weaver every minister should remember that “the primary function in the minister’s life, after that with God, is with the spouse” (72). The response of pastors’ wives wishing their husband to prioritise their family over their ministry or to give importance to both indicate the lack of time of the pastor for their families (Chart No.7 Cluster C). As Paul says, “If a man knows not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” 1 Tim. 3:5. Pastors need to know how to control and manage their time between ministry and family just as Christ took control over his time Mk.6:30-32, because being able to manage one’s time can be an asset to his ministry. It is also the duty of the congregation to understand that even pastors need space to spend quality time with their spouses and children. Often pastors experience stress as they are caught up in battle