Pastors Live in Glass Houses – What Does that Have to do with Anything?

Eyes locked, unmoved by any distraction, their bodies assume the attack position, except the prey is their pastor or minister. Watching. . . waiting for them to fail. Pastors live in glass houses for all to see.

Hopefully, the pastor/minister is called by God, because living in a glass house easily tempts onlookers to throw rocks at any wrong move. Pastors are leaders, and leaders must resist the attacks of whether your glass is clean enough, and whether or not its inside contents are too fancy or not fancy enough. Not one aspect of living in a glass house escapes detection.

Many times, it’s forgotten that these shepherds are human, and have family they are responsible to. They might suffer from physical ailments, large and small, including anxiety and depression. No exemptions exist from natural disasters like fires, tornadoes, or hurricanes, either. Unfortunately, some suffer great loss through the death of a child…natural, accidental, or suicide. Regardless the pastor must continue His work while going through his/her own emotional pain.

Your pastor has feelings and troubles every day, just like you do. Their children can struggle with school, teenagers can rebel, often bringing embarrassment or shame. The difference is, they live in a glass house for all to see. Their reaction is of utmost importance as they should lead by example.

The Lord is the Great Shepherd that replaces frustration from an argument with a spouse on the way to church with joy. He gives strength to overcome the sore throat so His Word can be preached. He renews the mind when sleep dissipates from taking a precious loved one from home or church to the ER. Pain and tiredness disappear as compassion flows during the delivery of God’s Word.

We all live with something, and pastors aren’t exempt. The difference is the expectations placed upon them by others, and God’s calling on them to rise up and be a leader. A higher standard is necessary. As a result, tests, conflict, and challenges come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Upon arriving on a Sunday morning, the pastor learns the vacuum cleaner broke, a utility bill is past due, the heat was left on high, then finds out some new church members are sowing discord and the elder believes them over the pastor. Could you remember your sermon? Yet, the pastor preaches his heart out, extends love instead of judgement to the new members and forgiveness to the elder. Instead of knocking out the trouble-maker and cursing the elder, or walking out, the pastor set an example. He/she surrendered their personal feelings, knew their job was to please and obey the Lord over man, relied on God’s strength, and trusted Him to deal with the offenders. Makes you want to be a pastor, doesn’t it?

I’m not trying to say someone isn’t a minister or pastor if they don’t display these actions, for they are a work in progress. We must balance the realization they are leaders requiring a higher standard, yet be allowed grace for their human tendencies. In other words, don’t be quick to pick up and throw those rocks when you see them make mistakes. Ouch!

Leaders are to be examples to us so it is important to consider how our pastors react to their mistakes. How do they handle them? Do they admit their faults and apologize when necessary? Are they repentant like King David is in PS. 51?

We can watch, and we can react, but we shouldn’t overreact. Of course, there might be some who don’t attend church often enough to do this.

Here’s your opportunity to share how good of a leader your pastor is, and why you think so. Just remember, I’m biased and there isn’t a pastor better than MINE! LOL. Share anyway.

© 2016 – 2019, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.