|
If a pastor has more of an introverted
temperament, he may find himself at the receiving end of the machinations
of bolder elders or deacons. This situation can worsen if the culture of a
church is to see the role of the pastor as being the “religious” one.
Things can worsen to the point where the duties of funerals, weddings,
baptisms, and communion as well as a weekly homily are the only things
expected or desired from a pastor.
Some adapt themselves to such treatment
by considering that they are “leading by example”. However, this never
seems to result in anyone else ever “following”. However, over time
one cannot but help consider that one is enabling a neglect of the
expected Christian life.
A pastor can become the default
designee for any blame in a church. Having a scapegoat is useful for those
who wish to absolve themselves from any responsibility. It is similar to
confession but instead of acknowledging sin, one convinces oneself that
someone else is guilty. This can be made worse if the church desired a
bold leader and sees in an introverted pastor a failure to live up to
expectations.
The introverted pastor is sort of
swimming upstream. If there are changes he would like to see in the church
and its members, he will probably not have the tools of a forcefull
personality to push others in the direction he would have them go. Arm
twisting or pushing others seldom accomplishes Christian objectives, but
it can be pleasing to those inclined towards the world or the flesh.
The introverted pastor is in a
situation similar to that of Jesus. People are unlikely to be persuaded if
they are not seeking. When people lack a spark of curiosity or a hunger
for truth, there is not much that can be done. Pastors can have a
comfortable life as caretakers over a church that is sleep walking to
eternity.
When a church is run as an
organizational system, it plays against an introverted pastors strength
which often lies in the direction of one on one relationships. |
