There is a certain tyranny as well as a blessing to the expectations, internal and external, with regards to being called to ministry. Expectations come in several forms and it is important to distinguish between the types of expectations when you begin to feel their pressure. I have chosen to distinguish four categories of expectations for us to consider.
First, there are the basic routine expectations that are part of any profession but are none the less very real. For most pastors, the congregation expects them to be present in an office, whether at home or at the church, at certain times during the week. Or, in this electronic age, people may expect you to have a cell phone that can contact you regardless of where you are. There are other basic expectations that we will look at later. Call this Routine Expectations.
Second, there are expectations that are more specific to your vocation. People expect you to oversee the church functions, moderate the church board, etc. Because you are the pastor, they have certain expectations as part of your role. They expect you to administer baptism, etc. Call this Vocational Specific expectations.
Third, there are some more demanding expectations that while exhausting are also satisfying. For example for many pastors, they are expected to conduct the liturgy and preach on a regular basis. They may not understand how much this takes out of you, but they expect this as part of your ministry. Call this Demanding but Satisfying Expectations.
Fourth, there are some unreasonable expectations, whether spoken or unspoken, that increase the pressure of ministry. You may be expected to be faithful to the gospel while not offending anyone in the process. You may be expected to be available 24-7 for pastoral emergencies and it is the congregant who defines what is an emergency. Call this Unreasonable Expectations.
In addition to looking at these four types of expectations, we will look at the source. Are these expectations generated internally by the pastor, externally by the ruling body or congregation, or unspoken pressures that are unexamined by anyone. When the pressure of ministry becomes overwhelming, it is important to know the source of the pressure in order to decide how to respond.
