A Reflection on Long-Term Pastors

A nod to my father

This week we celebrated my father’s birthday. His birthday is normal the last day of February, but with leap year, I have an added day to reflect before the new month of March began.

Growing up, I was unaware of the blessings I had growing up as a pastors kid. Unlike other PK (preacher’s kids), my dad was largely more connected than the average pastor. Thus, I was more connected with pastors and other community leaders than most. My father has been a part of many boards and leadership teams, community projects, and commissions. He has hundreds—possibly thousands—of peers from Bible college, seminary, churches, and other community engagements. Unlike myself, he is a social butterfly: an extroverted conversationalist. My dad vast network of friends in ministry has created an environment in which I have been around dozens of impactful leaders and pastors.

My family’s past two pastoral offices have been long term placements. We are not currently in our 14th year of the church we planted in 2010. Before that, my dad was on staff at his home church for over 20 years. As a 25 year old, I have grown up in 2 churches, both of which were long term communities.

There is something to be said about pastors who commit to a congregation or church for a long period of time. Maybe we ought to clarify: a long term pastor would be one that exceeds the normal tenure of a pastor at given church. The average tenure of a pastor in America is around five years. Thus, a long term pastor can be understood as one who’s been at a church over five years.

“Our work has found that the typical pastor has his or her greatest ministry impact at a church in years five through fourteen [5–14] of their pastorate. Unfortunately, we also know that the average pastor lasts only five years at a church – forfeiting the fruit of their investment in the church they’ve pastored.”

A Profile of Protestant Pastors in Anticipation of “Pastor Appreciation Month”

Just to be honest, I think long term pastors are more like 10+ year commitments. That really makes it seem “long term.” I am just about to reach three years pastoring back in our church. I still have a much to stay faithful in… and much to look forward to!