Dear Pastors... Check your Ego!
This article was published on October 2, 2023
As a young pastor, I was excited to be appointed to a church with some complex problems. I had a deep passion for ministry and was eager to make a positive impact on the congregation. I believed that, with my skills and dedication, I could change and transform this church. However, as I delved deeper into the complexities of the church, I began to feel a heavy burden on my shoulders. I felt immense pressure to be the church's savior and to turn things around quickly. I was worried about living up to the expectations of the congregation and leadership.
Despite my best efforts, I was unable to make significant progress in growing the church, and the problems persisted. Over time, I felt increasingly discouraged. I began to feel insufficient and even questioned my abilities as a pastor. The pressure to be the savior was affecting my mental and emotional health. The pressure I felt also began to affect my personal life. I constantly thought about the church and the problems it faced, even when I wasn't "at work." I couldn't relax or enjoy personal activities because I felt a constant sense of failure and inadequacy. I realized that my ego was not only affecting my ministry but also my mental health and personal relationships. One day, when I was at my darkest moment, I felt God speak to me and heard the words, "YOU are not the savior; I AM." It was then that I realized that my focus on my own ego and personal success was hindering my ability to effectively lead the congregation. I was so caught up in the idea of being the hero that I lost sight of the fact that it was not about me, but about the community of believers I was called to serve. I was putting unnecessary pressure on myself to be perfect and was not recognizing that the church is a collective effort.
It was a heartbreaking experience, but it taught me a valuable lesson. I realized that my ego was hindering my ministry. I was so focused on my own abilities and achievements that I lost sight of the bigger picture. I was neglecting the power of prayer and relying too much on my own efforts. I forgot that it is God who is the savior, not me. This experience made me reflect and discover that I needed to check my ego and let go of the pressure to be the savior. I needed to trust God's plan for the church and accept that I am simply an instrument through which God can work. As the Bible teaches us in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse reminds us that we must trust in God and rely on His plan for our lives, including our leadership roles. By submitting to Him and letting go of our own understanding, we can lead with humility and make a positive impact on those we serve.
As pastors and leaders, it is vital that we continuously check our ego and ensure that we are not putting ourselves above the needs of the church. We must remain humble and recognize that it is God who is the savior, not us. This means that we must seek God's guidance and direction for our ministries and be willing to let go of our own desires and agendas. It is also important to remember that we are not alone in our leadership roles. We are part of a larger community of believers working towards a common goal. We must rely on the collective efforts of the congregation and collaborate with other leaders to achieve the vision and mission of the church. In this way, we can create a sense of unity and foster a strong community dedicated to serving God. Furthermore, we must prioritize our mental and emotional health. Being a pastor or leader can be a demanding and challenging job, and it is easy to become overwhelmed by the responsibilities and pressures. It is essential to establish healthy boundaries and take time for self-care, including rest, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. By taking care of ourselves, we can better serve our congregations and lead with a clear mind and a compassionate heart.
In conclusion, being a pastor or leader in any capacity can be a challenging and overwhelming job. It is easy to get carried away by our own egos and desires, but we must remember that it is God who is the savior, not us. It is essential that we continuously check our motives and ensure that we are not putting our needs before those of the church. We must seek God's guidance and trust in His plan for our ministries, leading with humility and compassion. As the Bible reminds us, we must trust in the Lord with all our heart and submit to His will. As pastors and leaders, we must also recognize that we are not alone in our roles. We are part of a larger community of believers working together towards a common goal. By collaborating with others and prioritizing our mental and emotional health, we can create a strong and united community dedicated to serving God. My call to action for all pastors and leaders is to reflect on their motives and priorities. Take the time to check your ego and seek God's guidance for your ministry. Remember that you are not alone in your leadership role and prioritize collaboration and self-care. Let us lead with humility, compassion, and trust in God's plan.