Has your pastor become a celebrity in your eyes? Do you see him as almost a god? You might say you don’t, but if you’re not careful, you may end up treating him that way. Yes, we’re called to respect our pastors, but putting them on a pedestal is different. Most pastors don’t want to be seen that way, and many feel the weight of the high expectations. They know they’re just human, just like you and me.
The truth is, pastors are just men called by God to bring us a message of hope. They put on their pants one leg at a time, struggle with sin, and face problems every day, just like the rest of us.
God says to put no one before Him—not even your pastor. I love and respect our pastor, but I’ve noticed that many people place pastors in a category no one can live up to. Eventually, they’ll let people down because they’re human, and our elevated expectations become a burden they can’t carry forever.
If you think this isn’t you, ask yourself: Do you still attend church when there’s a guest preacher? It’s amazing how attendance can shift depending on who’s preaching. This shows how easy it is to place man above God. When we’re truly there to worship God, it shouldn’t matter who’s giving the message. But if we’re focused on the person speaking, we’re treating them as an idol.
We also put pressure on pastors to live up to our expectations, and they need breaks. They can burn out from constantly trying to fit the mold placed on them by their congregations. How many times have you seen pastors lose steam, even leave the ministry, because they’re worn down? They need rest to stay spiritually and emotionally strong.
We don’t go to church to be entertained or have our preferences catered to; we go to worship God. When we remember this, our focus shifts from who’s in the pulpit to whom we’re worshiping. If there are guest speakers you don’t agree with, remember: you don’t have to agree with every word to learn something valuable. If your beliefs are that far apart from those invited, maybe it’s worth reconsidering if this is the right church for you.
I go to church to learn and grow spiritually, to worship God. If we’re looking for perfection in every sermon, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. God never called us to agree with every point a pastor makes. They’re human, and sometimes we get it wrong. But God can guide us to truth.
If you realize you’ve put your pastor on a pedestal, here are a few things to consider:
- Remember that they have faults, just like you and me.
- Change your perspective and see them as a spiritual guide, not a celebrity.
- Pray for a heart focused on God rather than man.
- Consider connecting with a pastor personally, taking them to lunch and getting to know them outside of church.
Ask God to help you see your pastor for who they are—a humble servant sharing God’s message. Pray that He shows you the truth and guides you to live the life He’s calling you to live.
Living a God-Inspired Life,
Chris Benton