It's Hard Being Single

The majority of church plants are pastored by a single staff member. That might be you. And if it's you, then you probably understand all the unique challenges that come with being a "jack of all trades and master of none".

Recently I read a post on SBC Voices and was both refreshed and uplifted by the author's thoughts on the single-pastor staffed church. You can find that article here. I highly recommend it.

Of the many challenges that come with church planting, pastoring alone has to be one of the greatest. Rarely is there someone to bounce ideas off of. Rarely is there someone to confide in or vent to. Rarely is there another pastor to run interference for you. After reading the article by William Thornton I was reminded of my time serving on a church staff. I reflected upon the times that I was able to run interference for my pastor. The ability that I had to diffuse situations that had the potential to prove discouraging or downright painful to him. I found great joy in "having his back".

I know that church planters often lack that presence in their life.

• If the media slides are delayed, you are the one to hear about it.

• If the temperature is too hot or too cold, you hear about it.

• If the budget is deemed to0 aggressive or not aggressive enough, it's all you.

• If one square inch of your rented space is used incorrectly, you'll get the call.

I'm not saying this with disdain or some sort of pastor PTSD. It is simply the reality of the situation. I also simply want to state, "You are not alone. You are admired and appreciated. You are needed." If the majority of churches are led by a single pastor, and one of those pastors is you, keep swinging. Chin up! Earthly glory may not be your lot, but heavenly appreciation is on tap. "Well done, good and faithful servant!"