"I don't ever wish to convey that our main work as pastors is to fix an issue. Our primary work is to make saints."
~ Eugene H. Peterson
Expectations are something everyone has of each other, when we are in relationship, whether we are conscious of them or otherwise; whether or not they are realistic or agreed or not.
In their role inside the community of believers, pastors, perhaps more than anyone else, have a role in a believer's expectations. A few of these expectations, indeed probably many, are unrealistic and incorrectly oriented. Although sometimes a pastor is a coach, a counsellor, a mentor, a preacher, or even a friend, it isn't their primary role. Rather than fixing problems, the pastor lies best to illuminate God's Word and will, and affirm God's character inside the context of the parishioners' struggle.
Pastor is a unique role. Which is what parishioner can expect: a distinctive relationship, whereby their pastor could possibly get to understand them better, dignify them within their presence, listen and understand. Grace may be the medium within the pastor and between your pastor and the parishioner, as grace is groomed in this particular believer who sits using their pastor - as equals, around the believer allows. Making saints is all about modeling grace; the redemptive quality of affection and acceptance.
GOOD EXPECTATIONS
Pastors are models of the spiritual life oriented correctly, though not perfectly. If their business is making saints - disciples of Jesus - their life is to stay in accord with this very mandate. The pastor knows Jesus, and leads the believer toward intimacy with God. However they don't have any special mortgage around the Lord. And the pastor is definitely not exclusivist. They don't play sides. They struggle to like all people the best they are able to, albeit imperfectly.
Pastor Ed Young
Whenever a person comes to visit a pastor they should expect openness, warmth, empathy, genuineness and authenticity. Above all a pastor protects dignity. Their safety to be with, and confidences are kept.
Addititionally there is the fair expectation the pastor will honour with reverence the positioning of power they have been called into by God. What this means is the pastor, whilst he or she is a sinner using the need is saving, strives to be and ensures they're beyond reproach. Pastors will be to exemplify power's reversal, which is inherently redemptive; they're to become masters of the apology - although not for overt people-pleasing.
EXPECTATIONS TOO GREAT
It's too much for any believer to expect a pastor to repair their problems.
Such an expectation runs foul of the truth. No one can fix another person's problems. Indeed, more often than not we cannot even 'fix' our very own problems - a few of which we must simply bear patiently. And that's the process of becoming saintly: bearing things patiently.
Having a unique helping position, anointed by God to become a servant leader, a pastor cannot be likely to fill other helping professions' roles, though, with respect to the individual pastor's giftedness, they might fill the breach every so often.
