Korean American Christian Blog

There is no doubt that times are changing...the only constant is change itself. This applies to pastoral ministry as well.

I have been in some form of pastoral ministry for half of my life, [ i.e., 18 years...do the math :) ]. Although this is a short period of time relative to many of my colleagues in vocational ministry, I have seen and experienced some of the mass changes related to paradigms and expectations for those who work as primary leaders of the Church.

I have struggled over the past several years (even as a church planter and lead pastor) as to whether or not I fit the mold of what I was trained to be...the answer (so far)...I definitely feel like fish out of water. I am self-aware enough to know (with the help of my wife, of course) that I would suffocate myself and be a disservice to our community if I simply took on the role I was taught to take on during my years of formal bible education. Quite honestly, for awhile, I questioned my place as a pastor (or whatever title you want to give it).

The shoe just didn't fit. I'm not just talking here about stylistic changes or aesthetic development. I'm sensing that the overall role of a pastor will seismically shift in the years to come. I know from conversations I've participated in around the country that I'm not the only one who feels this way.

With ever-shifting changes in technology, organizational structures and methods, culture, theology, and religious climate, I have been processing what my role as a pastor of a church will look like in the years to come. I know that there may be some reading this that will respond, "Do what the Bible says." Nevertheless, most of us in the field recognize that the answer is not that quite easy...nor do we want it to be.

So, as I develop some thoughts on this topic. I would like to invite you into the conversation. What will (or should if you dare) the role of a pastor look like in the next few decades? I'm not looking for clear categories or even answers here. I'm just asking for what you're sensing (without the need to be concrete).

If you happen to be pastoring (or have pastored) a church, what has changed in recent years and how do you see your role evolving?

Thanks ahead of time for your input!

Charles Lee

www.charlestlee.com