Do you lead your local church willingly, or grudgingly? The answer matters …

In the heart of a bustling city, two pastors lead their respective congregations. Pastor John, a man whose passion for serving his flock is evident in every sermon and every interaction, embodies the apostolic call to shepherd willingly. His counterpart, Pastor Mark, approaches his duties with a sense of obligation rather than eagerness. This distinction is precisely what the Apostle Peter warns against in 1 Peter 5:2, where he instructs, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly — not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.”

LEADING GRUDGINGLY
To fully grasp Peter’s admonition, we turn to the original Greek word for “grudgingly” — “ἀναγκαστῶς” (anankastōs). This term conveys a sense of compulsion or obligation, suggesting an action performed out of necessity rather than desire. When church leaders serve “anankastōs,” they do so out of a sense of duty or pressure, rather than from a place of genuine willingness and eagerness to serve God. This attitude can profoundly affect both the leader and the congregation.

THE ATTITUDE OF WILLING SERVICE
Pastor John epitomizes the willing servant. His leadership is characterized by enthusiasm, compassion, and a deep sense of calling. He views his role not as a job, but as a privilege. His eagerness to serve is palpable, and it inspires the congregation to engage actively in church life and kingdom service. Under his shepherding, the church flourishes. Members feel valued and empowered, and the atmosphere is one of mutual support and spiritual growth.

Conversely, Pastor Mark’s approach is marked by a sense of reluctance. He fulfills his duties out of a perceived obligation, often with visible reluctance. This attitude permeates his interactions and affects the overall spirit of the congregation. Church members sense his lack of enthusiasm, which dampens their own engagement and spiritual fervor.

CAUSES OF A GRUDGING ATTITUDE
Why do some church leaders serve their congregations “grudgingly”? Here are some potential root causes:

Burnout and fatigue. One of the primary reasons some church leaders lead grudgingly is burnout. Pastors often juggle numerous responsibilities —– preaching, counseling, administration, and community outreach. The constant demand can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. When a pastor is overwhelmed and depleted, their willing attitude can deteriorate, resulting in a grudging approach to ministry.

Lack of support. Shepherding a flock of God can be a lonely journey. Without the support of other leaders and members of the congregation, pastors may feel isolated and burdened. The absence of a supportive network of peers and congregational support can lead to feelings of resentment and obligation, making the role seem more like a burden than a calling.

Unmet expectations. Pastors often face high expectations from their congregations, denominational leaders, and themselves. When these expectations are unrealistic or unmet, it can lead to disappointment and frustration. A constant pressure to perform and achieve can turn ministry into a series of tasks to be completed grudgingly rather than joyfully.

Personal and family struggles. Personal issues, including family struggles, financial difficulties, or health problems, can significantly impact a pastor’s ability to lead willingly. When personal life is fraught with challenges, it becomes difficult to maintain the necessary enthusiasm and energy for ministry.

Spiritual dryness. Just like any disciple of Jesus, pastors can experience seasons of spiritual dryness. When their relationship with God feels distant, the joy and passion for ministry can diminish. Leading without a vibrant personal connection with God can turn ministry into a rote performance rather than a heartfelt service.

THE IMPACT OF LEADING GRUDGINGLY
When a shepherd serves grudgingly, it impacts both himself and the flock under his care. The impact in the life of the church leader can include:

Burnout. Leading with reluctance often leads to burnout. The weight of duties performed out of obligation can become overwhelming. Without a genuine passion for the work, the joy of ministry diminishes, leading to exhaustion and disillusionment.

Spiritual decline. A grudging attitude can also stifle a leader’s personal spiritual life. The constant sense of duty can overshadow personal time with God, turning spiritual disciplines into mere tasks rather than sources of rejuvenation and communion with God.

Relational strain. Leaders who serve grudgingly may also experience strained relationships within the church. Their lack of enthusiasm can create a barrier between them and other leaders, and them and the congregation, leading to a sense of isolation.

The impact on the congregation of being led by a shepherd who leads grudgingly includes:

Disengagement. Congregations under grudging leadership often become disengaged. Members may feel that if their pastor lacks enthusiasm, their own involvement is less critical. This can lead to a decline in church participation and a weakening of the bond of fellowship.

Spiritual stagnation. When leaders are not genuinely invested, it can hinder the spiritual growth of the congregation. Enthusiasm and joy are contagious; without them, the church may struggle to maintain a vibrant spiritual life.

Decreased trust. Trust is foundational in the pastor-congregation relationship. A pastor who serves unwillingly may seem insincere, causing members to question their leadership and intentions. This erosion of trust can have long-lasting detrimental effects on church unity and effectiveness.

REKINDLING A WILLING ATTITUDE FOR LEADERSHIP
To heed Peter’s exhortation and lead willingly, church leaders can adopt several practical strategies:

Reconnect with the calling. Reflect regularly on the initial call to ministry. Remembering the passion and purpose that led to becoming a shepherd can reignite enthusiasm. Journaling about one’s journey and moments of divine confirmation can serve as a powerful reminder of the privilege of ministry.

Prioritize personal spiritual health. Ensure that personal time with God is a non-negotiable part of daily life. Engaging in regular prayer, meditation, and study of Scripture replenishes the soul and strengthens both the capacity and the resolve to serve with joy.

Seek support and accountability. Nurturing a supportive and honest relationship your elders and fellow leaders can provide encouragement and accountability. Regular meetings with your elders and/or fellow leaders for prayer and sharing can alleviate the sense of isolation and foster a sense of camaraderie and fellowship.

Delegate as needed. Avoid the trap of feeling solely responsible for every aspect of church life. Delegating tasks and trusting others with aspects of ministry not only lightens the load but also fosters a sense of connection and fellowship among church members.

Engage in continuing education. Pursue opportunities for ongoing learning and growth. Whether through formal education, conferences, or workshops, staying intellectually and spiritually engaged can renew passion and provide fresh perspectives on ministry.

Recognize and celebrate the small victories in ministry. Whether it’s a successful outreach event, a member’s testimony of a changed life, or a breakthrough in a challenging situation, acknowledging these moments can fuel ongoing enthusiasm and motivation.

CULTIVATING A WILLING HEART WITHIN THE FLOCK
Church leaders who serve willingly can also cultivate a similar attitude within their congregations by:

Modeling enthusiasm. Lead by example. A pastor’s visible joy for ministry is an example for the congregation. Enthusiastic preaching, engaged worship, and heartfelt service inspire others to follow suit.

Encouraging participation. Create opportunities for members to serve in various capacities. By involving others in the work of the church, church leaders can help church members discover their own spiritual gifts and outlets in which they can serve with a willing heart.

Fostering a culture of gratitude. Regularly express gratitude for the service of church members. Public acknowledgment and private thanks can go a long way in making people feel valued and appreciated, motivating them to continue serving willingly.

Providing spiritual nourishment. Offer resources and opportunities for spiritual growth. Bible studies, prayer groups, and discipleship programs can help members deepen their faith and cultivate a personal eagerness to serve God.

Maintaining open communication. Encourage transparency and open dialogue within the church. Regularly solicit feedback and be approachable. When members feel heard and valued, they are more likely to invest their time and energy willingly.

The distinction between leading willingly and leading grudgingly is stark, with profound implications for both church leaders and their congregations. The Apostle Peter’s admonition in 1 Peter 5:2 serves as a timeless reminder of the attitude that should characterize Christian leadership. By embracing a willing heart and rejecting a grudging spirit, church leaders can foster vibrant, engaged, and spiritually thriving congregations.

Scotty