Pastors face a common vocational hazard, getting pigeonholed. Labeling is another term to describe this ministry hazard. It goes something like this. You make a statement in conversation with somebody or in a sermon, you do something as a leader, or you communicate your intentions about an issue. Or you intentionally or unintentionally make known your unique ministry rhythms or daily routine (ie, study in the morning rather than take counseling appointments or take off Mondays and turn off your cell phone so you can take a break from ministry demands). What are the dynamics of this church leader phenomenon and what do we do about it?
Some people in your church may subconsciously make up a story about you based on their experience with you or based on their met/unmet expectations of you. The stories may be good. The stories may be bad (the usual case). Some stories sound like these.
- He (or she) is never available when you need him.
- He’s always available when you need him, 24/7.
- He doesn’t listen to feedback.
- He really loves people.
- He’s a micro-manager.
- He only does what he wants to do.
- You better not cross him.
- When he preaches, he’s nothing but emotion.
- When he preaches, you won’t get fed.
People share their stories with others. As a result, many stories become secondhand and grow each time somebody shares the story, like the “whisper game” we played as kids. And once a person makes up a story, it’s difficult for us to remake it, especially if it carries strong negative emotion.
So, how should we respond to this reality? Consider these thoughts.
- Don’t feel like you have to tell everybody everything about your life. We can be authentic and honest without airing our dirty laundry and without exposing our biggest frustrations with the church. We can avoid some stories with a bit more discretion.
- When somebody says, “A lot of people feel the way I feel (usually a negative story),” don’t immediately assume the whole church is against you. “A lot of people” probably means two or three.
- If a wrong story about you is circulating, gracefully speak to one or two of those circulating it and try to help them create a different story. Let them then circulate the new story.
- Realize, unfortunately, that some people will make quick judgements about you and will pigeonhole you no matter what you do. Don’t worry about those stories. You probably can’t do anything to change them.
- Examine the stories you yourself have made up about others and admit if you’ve been guilty of pigeonholing others. Change any incorrect stories.
- Live such a Christ-centered life that when integrous people do make up stories, which they will, the stories they make up reflect God-honoring qualities.
- When you’ve been wrongly pigeonholed, remember Jesus. No one in history faced more unfair labeling and hateful stories than did He. And He responded with the utmost grace to the story makers.
- Finally, turn to the pages of Scripture. God’s word gives great encouragement and guidance for leaders.
1Pet. 2.12 (CEV) Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do.
Titus 2.7 (CEV) Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach. 8 Use clean language that no one can criticize. Do this, and your enemies will be too ashamed to say anything against you.
How have you dealt with stories others have made up about you?
