Spring 1981

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The following question, from the pastor of a small urban church, was printed in LEADERSHIP'S Winter 1981 issue, and reactions from our readers were solicited. This response is based on their observations.

If you have a question you'd like dismissed, send it to Leadership Problems, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, Illinois, 60187. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

Q

Too often it seems that seminary graduates who have a call into pastoral ministry face three options (regardless of their abilities): 1) Youth ministry in a large church (multiple-staff), 2) Christian education work in a medium-sized congregation (two on the staff), and 3) Pastoring a small church. Available small churches seem to be the undesirable ones-those in the middle of nowhere, or declining urban churches.

Feeling a call as pastor/teacher, I came to a run-down urban church-it appeared to be the best of my options. After two years, I think I've done everything well, but I feel awful that I do not have love for the congregation or the community. This is only a job to me-and a frustrating one at that. The neighborhood has a high crime rate; I fear for my family's safety and I resent the broken church windows. The congregation is elderly and poorly educated. They are spiritual spectators set in their ways. And here am I-young, creative, and zealous for the Lord. On top of it all, the financial remuneration is extremely oppressive for a young family.

I know I'm complaining! I also know I'm being realistic. I have a great deal of talent to give to God in my ministry, but I already want to bail out. I believe there are many like me, working toward the next calling while resenting the present one. This sense of failure, frustration, and lack of love-are they ...

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