What Does the Pastor Do All Day Anyway?

Most pastors are quite familiar with the question, “What do you do all day anyway?” Congregants who ask this question are usually sincere and curious. However, it can also raise a deep, unsettling feeling, as people wonder if their pastor doubts their heart and dedication. It also reveals the congregants' lack of understanding of all that their pastor does and is responsible for.

As a pastor's wife, I have had people ask, “So what exactly does your husband do?” This question used to drive me crazy. I wanted to shout from the rooftops, “What does he NOT do?” I found the question offensive and ignorant and did not give the asker the benefit of the doubt.

In reflecting on the complexity that actually encompasses the answer to this question and my inability to know the answer fully, I have realized that it is actually a valuable question. It is a question that, if truly and lovingly explored, will actually extend care and dignity to pastors. Bringing clarity to the pastoral role and articulating all that the pastor does is important because a pastor usually does not stop to consider the weight of their workload that is adding up day by day. Additionally, what a pastor does each day is not seen by all. Usually, individuals see only pieces, and no one person witnesses the whole picture of the pastoral role (Bloom, 2019). 

Understanding the Complexity of a Pastor’s Role and the Need for Support

A pastor’s role is not straightforward, and answering the question of what they do is difficult. However, taking the time to acknowledge all that they do is encouraging.

When a pastor is feeling overwhelmed by their workload and carrying the pressure all alone, there is a high probability that this will result in low resilience and possible burnout (Bloom, 2019). Research indicates that for the average pastor to perform all of their varied excepted roles, they would “require sixty-four different personal competencies” (Bloom, 2019, p. 9). These competencies are usually required for meaningful work that pastors hope to accomplish at an excellent level.

When an expert job analyst looked at the local pastoral role, he concluded that he had not seen a job as “complex, varied and impactful as the work of local church pastors” (Bloom, 2019, p. 9). Recognizing the variety, complexity and desire to do each role well brings empathy and understanding when wondering what a pastor does all day. It may even cause a congregant to wonder if the pastor is doing too much. If a pastor is ending every day feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, it begs the question, how much longer can they go on? 

Taking the time to break down a pastor's roles and responsibilities is crucial in addressing the question of what they do all day and if what they do is sustainable (Bloom, 2019). A pastor could keep a list of what they have done and who they have met with and share his daily tasks with his board.

It would be even better if a lay leader could come alongside the pastor in exploring the daily tasks that the pastor encounters and give permission for the pastor to do less (Proeschold-Bell & Byassee, 2018). The goal of doing less, 1⁄3 less, is recommended for the pastor to end their day feeling energized and ready for more ministry instead of overwhelmed and wondering how much longer they can go on (Bloom, 2019). 

The next time someone asks you what you do all day as a pastor, consider it an opportunity to reflect on your day-to-day role and tasks. Remember that your job is complex, varied, and full of meaning. Consider bringing someone into this reflection with you, a board member or fellow pastor. Ponder if you can sustain this lifestyle or if downsizing may foster well-being and longevity in ministry. 


If you are in co-vocational ministry, I invite you to connect with Co-Vocational Canada to access complimentary counselling, coaching, and resources designed to support you through the challenges of ministry. 

Reach out for free counselling for covocational leaders and their families at covocounselling@briercrest.ca

References: 

Bloom, M. (2019). Flourishing in ministry: How to cultivate clergy well-being. Rowman & Littlefield. 

Proeschold-Bell, R. J., & Byassee, J. (2018). Faithful and fractured: Responding to the clergy health crisis. Baker Books. 

Brittany Koleba

Together with her husband, Jeremy, Brittany has lived a life of ministry for the last 18 years as he pastors a local church. Her beautiful and sometimes crazy days are filled with mom life, ministry and studying towards a Master of Marriage and Family. Brittany enjoys thrifting, pottery and a good patio on a sunny day.
 

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