Long-tenured pastors often become untouchable in their churches, creating a culture where accountability disappears and feedback feels like betrayal. This quiet danger threatens church health when pastoral loyalty morphs into blind allegiance.
• Warning signs include elder boards filled with yes-men and hand-picked loyalists
• Staff members afraid to speak honestly in meetings for fear of retribution
• New ideas subtly shut down with "we've tried that before" statements
• Pastors going years without formal job reviews or evaluations
• Critique labeled as disloyalty or division rather than healthy feedback
• What feels like stability can actually mask stagnation and dysfunction
• Most churches don't realize this is happening because longevity feels like health
• Boards often fear conflict and feel unqualified to question long-serving pastors
• Time served should never equal immunity from accountability
Reach out to me at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com if you're experiencing this in your church and need help navigating these challenging waters. I'm available to hop on a Zoom call to discuss your situation and explore potential paths forward.
Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com
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