SWEET MUSIC FROM A SECOND FIDDLE
Chris Smith
October 1, 1990
The troubling question can come any time: "Just what is it that you do at your church? Are you the preacher?" Senior ministers, unlike associates, aren't bothered by this question. "Yes, I am," they confidently reply. But as an associate minister, my very self-respect is challenged by this question. Immediately I'm confronted by an array of possible responses. Humorous: "I am the preacher boy" (remember to laugh). Descriptive: "I work with youth and have pulpit responsibilities" (and don't give many details). Succinct: "I am the associate minister" (fewer details). My favorite: "I am one of the ministers at the Raleigh Church" (no details). Kidding aside, despite the proliferation of multiply staffed churches in the past generation, most people still think in terms of having one preacher who has a bunch of helpers. The other ministers may be important, but since they aren't "the main man," well-meaning parishioners continue to ask associates, "When are you going to get your own church?" Whether they view their present work as a stepping stone to getting your own church or a life-long calling, associate ministers have to come to terms with second-fiddle status. At least I have had to. Here, in fact, are five strategies that have helped me enjoy the associate's role. Remember the silver lining
Before whining about my plight as a second-class preacher with lower pay, less prestige, and almost no invitations to speak at lectureships and Bible conferences, I try to remember the numerous advantages of being an associate. Less pressure. Being an associate means not having to worry about everything. Only within the last year, for instance, have I given more than a passing thought to the budget and money matters at my congregation. It wasn't ...
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