In this wonderfully encouraging and clarifying article Michael Milton describes the perils and joys of pastoral ministry. Most succinctly Mike explores the three loves above all others that the true Christ-like pastor must have:
- Love for God
- Love for God’s Word
- Love for God’s People
Amazingly, no mention is made about the 3 B’s most contemporary pastors are pressured by – buildings, budgets, or butts in pews. These are constant pressures for pastors, whether these pressures come from others or the pressure is self imposed. No doubt there is a place for these 3 B’s, but they cannot be the “first loves”, the primary objects of our affection.
And while Mike’s piece is a wonderful reminder for we who labor as physicians of the soul, the benefit of these truths are not limited to the “professionals”. Mike describes what should be valued in your pastor, and characteristics that can be shared by others who long to be Christ-like servants.
To read Mike’s article, click: The Secret Love Life of the Passionate Pastor
GRACE & PEACE 
Dennis I think there’s a good reason that the 3b’s were not mentioned in the artical….
In my opnion, it’s because those called to Pastor, Preach God’s Word, and Lead people should not be distracted by such things as the 3b’s. I didn’t say they should not be concerned as a metric, or indicator of Church health (but there are much better metrics) , because there is some use for the 3b’s when applied correctly.
If the contempory Pastor does become distracted by the 3b’s he can not fill his role as Pastor.
The issue; is the Pastor more concerned with being a Pastor and leading, or concerned because the numbers are down, dollars are down, the building needs help, or the church needs more space (a good issue) ? All these things should be looked after by the pastors team of men he has around him.
Problem is a lot of Pastors feel they must have control and thus can not seem to deligate and have really never learned the how and what of leading an organization (church) or people ( men ). I find it interesting that our siminaries for the most part in the past & in a lot ways still do ignore such issues as leadership, and organizational skills.
Maybe a bigger issue here is that it’s much easier for a Pastor to be involved in and thus distracted by the 3b’s as it’s an easy way out from being a Pastor and really Leading People and still “look” like he’s a Pastor.
Great post and a very good artical…
Interesting thoughts. I really appreciate that perspective.