“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it…But it is you…my close
friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship” (Ps. 55:12 -14, NIV) Jesus said,
“The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men” (Matt. 17:22). “Judas…
sought how he might conveniently betray Him” (Mark 14:10-11).
A pastor sometimes has a feeling of betrayal when a member gives unfounded
criticism of him or someone leaves the church. Pastors may not know that even though
we visit, pray for the people, preach good messages and operate smooth church programs,
there will always be a few careless people who will be dissatisfied and do these “surprise
attacks.” People in the congregation, whom you consider as friends, may turn on you.
We often wonder why God allows these things to happen because we know He is
sovereign over all things. A good Scripture to remember is as follows: “Like a refiner of
silver He will sit and closely watch as the dross is burned away. He will purify…the
ministers of God…like gold or silver so that they will do their work for God with pure
heart” (Mal. 3:3, TLB).
We must recognize the potential for these “betrayals” and commit them to God.
It is important to put out fires before they burn big and “nip troubles” in their early
stages. This should never be done from the pulpit but privately & diplomatically, with
wisdom.
Some helpful solutions:
Remember that God suffered betrayal from Lucifer & people still betray Him.
Jesus suffered betrayal from Judas Iscariot.
Do not take out frustration on your family.
Share with spouse but do not over burden. Stay close to your spouse.
Develop meaningful friendships outside the congregation, perhaps with other
clergy.
Get away from your work, occasionally, and engage in hobbies you enjoy.
Go to the library for both Spiritual & recreational reading & privacy.
Go out to breakfast or another meal with your family weekly.
Do not let the “vocal minority,” who are against you, cause you to leave the
“silent majority” who are for you and love you.
Be more sensitive in not betraying someone else who is counting on you.
If and when you leave a pastorate, allow time for “closure” (2 or 3 months) so that
people who love you are not hurt. Always be ethical.
Do not let these negative experiences hurt you and affect you for your own sake.
Cast your anxieties on God (I Pet. 5:7, NIV).
Remember that Christ is faithful – “And surely I will be with you always, to the very end
of the age” (Matt. 28:20 NIV)
friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship” (Ps. 55:12 -14, NIV) Jesus said,
“The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men” (Matt. 17:22). “Judas…
sought how he might conveniently betray Him” (Mark 14:10-11).
A pastor sometimes has a feeling of betrayal when a member gives unfounded
criticism of him or someone leaves the church. Pastors may not know that even though
we visit, pray for the people, preach good messages and operate smooth church programs,
there will always be a few careless people who will be dissatisfied and do these “surprise
attacks.” People in the congregation, whom you consider as friends, may turn on you.
We often wonder why God allows these things to happen because we know He is
sovereign over all things. A good Scripture to remember is as follows: “Like a refiner of
silver He will sit and closely watch as the dross is burned away. He will purify…the
ministers of God…like gold or silver so that they will do their work for God with pure
heart” (Mal. 3:3, TLB).
We must recognize the potential for these “betrayals” and commit them to God.
It is important to put out fires before they burn big and “nip troubles” in their early
stages. This should never be done from the pulpit but privately & diplomatically, with
wisdom.
Some helpful solutions:
Remember that God suffered betrayal from Lucifer & people still betray Him.
Jesus suffered betrayal from Judas Iscariot.
Do not take out frustration on your family.
Share with spouse but do not over burden. Stay close to your spouse.
Develop meaningful friendships outside the congregation, perhaps with other
clergy.
Get away from your work, occasionally, and engage in hobbies you enjoy.
Go to the library for both Spiritual & recreational reading & privacy.
Go out to breakfast or another meal with your family weekly.
Do not let the “vocal minority,” who are against you, cause you to leave the
“silent majority” who are for you and love you.
Be more sensitive in not betraying someone else who is counting on you.
If and when you leave a pastorate, allow time for “closure” (2 or 3 months) so that
people who love you are not hurt. Always be ethical.
Do not let these negative experiences hurt you and affect you for your own sake.
Cast your anxieties on God (I Pet. 5:7, NIV).
Remember that Christ is faithful – “And surely I will be with you always, to the very end
of the age” (Matt. 28:20 NIV)