I am a thirty-one year old man who serves as an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.
I have two beautiful daughters and a wonderful wife.
I have a family (that is both biological and marital) that is filled with wonderful people.
I have friends and a spiritual family that matter to me a great deal.
I am a human being and a child of God. All human beings need to express themselves.
I was recently told that my role as a pastor means that I am the "paid punching bag" of the church. People can treat me poorly and I am supposed to take it. People can hurt and disrespect my family and I am supposed to forgive because I represent the church. I am to treat others with the blessings of God and turn the other cheek continually when people publicly flog me for doing my job. I am to do all of this because it is my job.
I don't see this reasoning in scripture. My paycheck does not mean that people get to mistreat me, especially if they claim the name of Jesus in their life. Jesus taught that we should love our neighbors as ourselves and left no room for the idea that we don't have to love them if we pay them a salary. Do you see a place in scripture where it says that we are to be abusive towards those who God has called into leadership and service in our lives?
In many ways, your average minister can be seen as a gift from God. They've often been called to leave a great deal behind to serve God. In my system, I've given my life to being itinerant and being sent from church to church. I'm often appointed far from family and friends and I am expected to care deeply for those I serve. I am not being arrogant when I claim the truth that I've been called by God to become a servant and caretaker of the message and mission of the church. I'm sent to bring the Word, share the Sacraments, provide leadership in service, and provide order to the church. I'm meant to be a blessing to the congregation I serve–not to simply be a punching bag where people can take out their own issues.
If you're reading this and you have a pastor, please treat them well. Their ministry often costs them and hurts them more than you know.
