Support for Today’s Pastors

Support for Today’s Pastors

4
MIN
Church Leadership
Share

The job of a pastor has always been a challenging one. 

 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and underequipped as a church leader, you’re not alone. With the influence of social media, changing cultural dynamics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, today’s pastors face unique challenges. According to recent studies, today’s pastors are struggling with everything from time management to trusting God. Lifeway Research spoke with more than 1,000 pastors about their greatest needs; five were most commonly mentioned:  

  1. Developing leaders and volunteers
  2. Fostering connections with unchurched people
  3. Congregational apathy or lack of commitment
  4. Consistency in personal prayer
  5. Friendships and fellowship with others. 
Pastoral needs graph from Lifeway Research.

At RightNow Media, our core value is “The mission of the church matters.” We are here to pray for, equip, and encourage church leaders in their ministry because healthy leaders are crucial to building healthy churches.

We strive to support pastors in all areas of their ministry, which is why we’ve compiled resources to address your five biggest needs.

Need #1: Developing leaders and volunteers. 

As a busy pastor, it can be hard to find time to equip your leaders and volunteers. While digital training can’t replace in-person experiences, it is an effective tool to develop your leaders outside of face-to-face trainings. RightNow Media has a library full of Interactive Training Content you can assign to your leaders to complete when it's convenient for them. Or, click here to learn how you can create your own Interactive Content.

The following blog post will help you learn about some of the fears and doubts your leaders and volunteers may be experiencing. You can share this article with your team to encourage them! 

 

Read now: Qualities of an Effective Small Group Leader

Need #2: Fostering connections with unchurched people. 

Jesus clearly calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19–20). But outreach ministry can take a backseat when we feel too busy with what’s going on inside the walls of our church. 

 

Even if you don’t have a designated external outreach ministry, you can still foster connections with unchurched people. Read this blog post for practical ways you can begin to bridge the gap between your congregation and the unchurched. 

Read now: Connecting with Unchurched People

Need #3: Congregational apathy or lack of commitment.  

We all want our churches to thrive, but many of our congregations struggle with attendance, recruiting volunteers, and keeping members engaged. There may be moments when you feel like one of the only people committed to the mission of your church. But no matter how you feel, God’s promises are true and he promises to never leave you or abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

 

Read this blog post for an encouraging word on staying committed to the church even when you sense apathy in your congregation. 

Read now: Battling Apathy in the Church

Need #4: Consistency in personal prayer. 

With the many responsibilities of shepherding others, pastors can unintentionally put their personal relationship with God on the backburner. In our desire to be self-sufficient, we often forget that we have a Father who hears our prayers and loves when we talk to him. 

 

Reignite your passion for prayer with this practical blog post all about the gift of talking with your heavenly Father.

Read now: Rediscovering the Importance of Prayer

Need #5: Friendship and fellowship with others. 

While church leaders often preach the need for Christian community, the perceived safety and comfort of isolation can tempt tired pastors. While it can be difficult to find people who understand the unique weight of spiritual leadership, community is worth pursuing for pastors in every stage of their ministry. 

 

Set aside a few moments for self-reflection and to answer the questions in this blog post written specifically to pastors. Then, consider the opportunities in your life to connect with other church leaders. 

Read now: Overcoming the Loneliness of Leadership

It’s a challenging time to be a pastor, but current circumstances don’t nullify God’s promises. Listen to what God says through the prophet Isaiah: 

 

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you. (Isaiah 43:1–2)

 

No matter what difficulties you face as a church leader, God’s love for you is unwavering. His plans for you are good. His divine power has given you everything you need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). 

The body of believers, including all of us at RightNow Media, is cheering you on. We pray these resources encourage you as you minister to others.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Victoria Becker

Marketing Specialist, RightNow Media

Equip your church, anytime, anywhere with RightNow Media.

If you’re a decision-maker at your organization, request a free consultation to find out how RightNow Media can equip and inspire your people.

Not a decision-maker?
Tell your pastor about RightNow Media instead.

Submit
You're in!
Look out for a confirmation email shortly.
Oops! Something went wrong. Please refresh the page.

Equip your church, anytime, anywhere with RightNow Media.

Learn More