Recently I attended a forum sponsored by the Lilly Foundation in Indianapolis to define the qualities of “good ministry.” Every participant there had his or her own list of criteria. There are many ways to describe the basic qualities for good ministry. But is there a “one-size-fits-all” profile of the ideal pastor acceptable to all congregations?
Pastors as well as congregations are often in different places in their development and circumstances. The requirements of each congregation and each pastor need to be complementary, otherwise the emotional bonding for the spiritual dance together will be missing. Learning each other’s dance steps may be rough in the beginning, but if there is a mutual will to succeed, the spiritual dance with time will become a fulfilling experience. If the grounds of commonality are not there, pastor and people will question their respective calls before God; the outcome could be awkward and the exit painful for both parties. Good ministry that is healthy and nurturing is a mutual affair between congregation and pastor. Both must feel “blessed” by their ministry to one another.
Arriving then at an acceptable profile of the good pastor and the good congregation in each situation requires a careful process of matching, carried out with candor and wisdom. Each party must be open to the other’s vision to serve as a team before God.
Neither pastor nor congregation are static entities. Both are subject to the realities of change. If either party is unwilling to listen to the other, trouble is not far behind. The “good pastor” can become the “disillusioned pastor” and the “good congregation” can become the “disgruntled congregation.” The art of matching pastor and congregation is not a science; there is no ecclesiastical tradition or form of governance that can guarantee a successful partnership. Having said this, there nevertheless exist qualities of good pastoral leadership that are applicable to all ministers. These characteristics exist among all religious traditions.
First, the good pastor needs to be a passionate believer. Professional ministers without passion have no future; in fact, they can become a detriment to a congregation’s mission and ministry. No matter how articulate and charming the pastoral candidate may be, there needs to be an inner enthusiasm for the faith conveyed with emotional intelligence and commitment. When congregations are searching for the good pastor, at the top of their list of qualities is the desire for a spiritual person. This may be another way of saying they want more than professionalism, they want leaders who are believers. They are seeking someone who is passionate, thoughtful and in touch with God.
Second, the good pastor needs to be credible — not only educationally, but also morally, and with genuine humility. These factors woven together provide a context of credibility for the pastor. Such credibility is essential if pastoral leadership is to be trusted. The character of the pastor is long remembered after the sermons are forgotten. The congregation expects its pastor to exemplify integrity, diligence and courage, and to express compassion in whatever circumstance. The good pastor also has an understanding of what is negotiable in an immoral society where questionable compromises are being discussed.
Every society is filled with contradictions and ambiguities; the good pastor needs to exercise a moral imagination that transcends legalism, permitting followers to be humane and caring. The resourceful and creative pastor offers realistic hope in difficult situations. In whatever circumstance, the good pastor makes every attempt to be there for those in need. Being there and keeping confidences are important attributes in building trust within congregations and communities.
Third, the good pastor needs to have a student’s outlook on life. That is to say, he or she must have an inquiring mind, be willing to take risks when necessary and never be satisfied with glib answers. The informed pastor seeks always to do the right thing, exercising courage when it is required. The pastor who is always willing to listen and to learn will maintain a high level of competency in all areas that are beneficial to the congregation’s well being.
The pastor with a student’s inquisitive spirit promotes an atmosphere within the congregation that welcomes questions, explores ideas and addresses the divine mysteries of life with reverence. The good pastor is able to communicate with persuasive clarity a timeless message of faith that nurtures souls.
Finally, the good pastor takes comfort in the fact that there are no perfect pastors any more than there are perfect congregations. Conflicts and disagreements within religious communities are inevitable. Being faithful to God requires that all parties in heated discussions recognize their common status of imperfection by forgiving and accepting one another in love. When this takes place we are experiencing good ministry among the people.
Posted June 24, 2002
Carnegie Samuel Calian is president and professor of theology, Pittsburgh Seminary. His latest book is The Ideal Seminary: Pursuing Excellence in Theological Education (WJKP).
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