How important is ministry match – fit between the minister and the setting, the people, and the role? Are there times or ways in which fit is more important than others? What positive or negative experiences or observations do you have with ministry match or mismatch? In my last post, we made some Biblical and practical observations concerning ministry fit and looked at the issue of what we mean by fit. What else might be important in understanding ministry match or fit?
Additional Parameters That Affect the Importance of Fit – We already have said one factor in the relative importance of ministry match is what we mean by match or fit. Here are two additional considerations.
Minister’s Age and Ministry Experience – I believe ministry match or fit is less important early in one’s ministry career than it is farther down the road. Early in ministry and early in adulthood, one may not have a good sense of what does or does not fit, a good sense of leadership esprit, or a solid understanding of what God may be shaping him or her to do. With age and experience, as well as progressive life stages, fit may become more important.
Minister’s Willingness and Ability to Learn, Accommodate, and Love – Fit or match is more important when a minister is unable or unwilling to learn their ministry context and adapt. Some people simply are more able to adapt and open to adjusting than are others. Ministers with this skill and willingness can lower the mismatch gap. Those who cannot or will not adapt to their setting and role allow an ongoing mismatch that can create problems. Additionally, a minister’s ability to love and value the congregation without disdaining them or condescending toward them because of differences is crucial and helps build connections with the people and overcome hindrances to effectiveness.
Possible Advantages of Finding a Ministry Fit – As I reflect on my own ministry career, younger ministers I have mentored, and the issue of alignment between a minister and congregation, several potential advantages of matching pastor and congregation come to mind. Fit or match…
Lowers Relationship Barriers – People prefer to be around those similar to themselves, so a match between minister and congregation may make trust easier to earn and relationships easier to establish.
Aids in Cultural Understanding – Although there always is a learning curve when a minister goes to a new church, a fit between minister and church / setting may help the minister understand the culture and tendencies of the church and setting better than if there were not a fit. This can help improve interactions and avoid unnecessary offense.
Promotes Alignment of Direction and Ministry Approach – When a minister’s values and goals align with or at least compliment those of the congregation, it can help the church and pastor head in the same direction and strive for similar (or at least complimentary) ministry strategies.
Improves Family Dynamics – If the minister has a family and there is a fit between the preferences and lifestyle of the family and the congregation and ministry setting, it may help avoid tension in the minister’s home. What I mean is that, issues such as rural or urban setting, the type of people in the ministry context, and standard of living, etc. can be problematic if the minister, the spouse, or the children either do not fit that setting or cannot learn to adapt and be comfortable there.
Potential Advantages of a Lack of Fit – Although it may seem surprising, I believe there are some potential benefits to be found when minister and congregation / setting do not entirely match.
Creative Tension in the Minister and the Church – There is something helpful and creative in walking and serving with those somewhat dissimilar to ourselves, and I believe a level of mismatch between minister and church can provide fertile ground for growth. Of course, this benefit may depend on the level and type of difference, as well as how open the minister and the church are to learning from each other. One example is the minister who is used to the city and goes to a rural church and learns the value of a slower pace of life and relationships that exist across the various contexts of the community. There are other examples, but, in short, we are talking about benefits gained from those who are not just like ourselves.
Exposing the Church to Some Enriching Breadth – A difference in ministry style or worship style between the minister and the church may expose the church to some helpful new ways of conceiving ministry and doing worship or service. A church may not have prior experience with elements of more liturgical worship, spiritual disciplines, or innovations in missions work (for example) that the pastor or minister may be able to introduce in the church.
Developing the Minister – Particularly early in ministry, a minister may have a limited exposure to types of people and ministry settings, as well as an incomplete knowledge of personal and ministerial strengths, weaknesses, tendencies, and preferences. A mismatch between minister and church may enrich the minister by exposing him or her to new types of people, approaches to walking with Christ, and styles of living life as church family. The minister needs to learn that she or he is not the only type of good Christian and their prior church experience is not the only way to do church.
Humility, Dependence, and Understanding – A mismatch between minister and congregation may develop humility in the minister, and it certainly may develop a deeper reliance on the Lord and heart for learning about self, others, and ministry approaches. A mismatch also may help the minister appreciate the diversity that answers to God’s creativity, as well as the parts of human need and condition common to all people.
I do not believe the issue of ministry match is simple. There is Biblical and practical support for the importance of match and for God working through surprising ministry assignments. There issues of what we mean by fit, what the minister is shaped by God to do, the demands of the role, the nature of the congregation and ministry setting, the personality and skills of the minister, and the life and ministry stage of the minister. However, I believe the material in these two posts will help you think and pray through the issue in your own service to the Lord.