Pastoral Grit
Mark Tidsworth, Pinnacle Team Leader
It’s time to run that one again. Yes, this blog article first ran in January 2017, then again in 2018. But the experiences of recent months tell me pastoral grit is an increasingly necessary ingredient in the mix of pastoral leadership effectiveness. Perhaps my Facebook post after a long day of coaching pastors illustrates what I mean.
“Some people view pastors as weak, soft people who couldn't make it in the "real" world. I can tell you that after growing up as a missionary's kid, after becoming a pastor myself, after working as a therapist who's client load was heavily populated by pastors, after coaching hundreds of pastors, and after consulting with so many churches....pastors who survive in the role for very long have more grit than you can imagine. Enduring the criticism, wrath, and attacks of people motivated by a combination of religious zeal plus unresolved emotional baggage takes a very strong backbone and extremely realistic faith. I'm grateful tonight for pastoral grit and those who put their well being on the line by serving as pastors.” December 2, 2019.
So pastors and church staff persons, gird up your loins (so to speak) and learn everything you can about grit. Read Angela Duckworth’s book. Read the blog post below. But most of all, ask our generous God to give you what you need to do what God calls you to do. Then live in faith and trust, knowing God will follow through. Your willingness and effort, combined with God’s empowerment will make you one gritty pastor.