What the church can't do for pastors

A friend was going to seminary, and she became very disappointed that someone in her home church did not send her a birthday card. When I heard this story, I thought that the church probably did her a favor, because it’s good to know that there are a lot of things that the church cannot do for you once you become a pastor. 

The church can’t be our best friend. I’m not someone who thinks we can’t be friends with our parishioners. I have worshiped with many people I would hang out with outside of my church duties. In general, I like people and I relate to most people as friends.

That said, the church cannot be our best friend. The church will let us down, and when that happens, we all need someone to call. We can't depend on the church to throw us birthday parties or notice when we’re depressed. It’s just not their job. So keep your BFF. You might feel like you don’t have any time for that person now that you’re a pastor, but you need to make time. You’re going to need them.