PASTORING IN CHALLENGING AREAS

PASTORING IN CHALLENGING AREAS

Nature of Challenging Areas

Challenging areas present themselves in various modes. Below are some of the challenging areas as far as pastoring is concerned:

a. War-torn areas: These areas are characterised by civil or ethnic wars or interregional conflicts.

b. Economically challenged areas: These areas characterised by poverty, food insecurity and shortages etc

c. Geographical challenges: These areas can include remote places, climate challenges, deserts etc.

d. Religious wars: These areas will include areas where a pastor has to fight religious wars with religions like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism etc.

e. Disease hit areas: These mainly relate to health issues like Ebola, cholera, malaria, yellow fever etc.

What Can Happen To A Pastor In These Challenges?

a. Die spiritually

b. Die physically

c. Sickness (esp. psychologically and physically)

d. Murmuring, grumbling and bitterness

e. Joining the occult to attract followers

f. Hate those who sent, if you have been deployed maybe by a deploying authority

e. Hate God: The assumption is that God is getting you all these challenges

g. Run away from ministry or pastoring. Challenges need strong people who can stand.

What The Church Should Do For The Pastor?

a. Communication: Constantly Communicate with the Pastor

b. Prayer: Prayer for the Pastor in those challenging places

c. Support mechanisms: Support the pastor emotionally or maybe in every means possible

Attitude To Win For The Pastor

 a. Love the place

b. Do not hate the people: they could be also undergoing the same challenges

c. Patience is virtue: You will learn to wait upon the Lord

d. Have a great vision for the place

e. Encourage and motivate the people

f. Maturity is key: some challenges are for our good.

g. Positive attitude: The challenge is an opportunity for you

h. Prayer, fasting and faith: you can’t substitute these. They pull you along.

i. Network and Linkage: Avoid being in isolation. Have friends who are positive and be a member of the pastors’ fraternity so that you can also exchange notes.

j. Don’t scold people: It doesn’t work that way. Do not manifest your bitterness on the pulpit.
i. Have income generating projects so that you don't just expect church to support you.

John Museredzo is a passionate teacher of the Word of God. He is pastor who has pastored areas of diverse backgrounds. Link up on +263775127589