Most pastors I know have great hearts for ministry, but don’t always have the tools to move the organization of the church forward. Unfortunately, some of what we experience in the real church world is not taught extensively, if any, in most seminaries.

Things such as:

• How to handle difficult people
• Basic business practices and how to keep the church legal
• Leadership principles (especially as the church gets larger)
• How to handle conflict
• Advertising and marketing
• Event Planning
• Construction and building project management
• Human resources, to include benefits, salary management, employee training, motivation and conduct performance evaluations
• How to set goals and objectives
• How to protect your own marriage while you are trying to protect everyone else’s marriage
• How to be a great dad when your time is sometimes stretched with other people’s kids.

Pastors, what other issues you have faced have left you feeling unprepared?

The best advice I know for pastors when you feel overwhelmed in these areas is to:

• Read business and trade manuals
• Learn from and rely on the wisdom of others, including business leaders
• Attend conferences
• Network with other pastors and leaders, including social networking
• Delegate to other people you trust in the church
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if you need counseling.
• And, of course, trust the Holy Spirit to guide you

Pastors, what other advice can you share here with other pastors?

One of the values in my ministry has been the twenty plus years of business experience I had prior to my seminary education and vocational ministry (and I’m still overwhelmed at times with these issues). If I can help, please let me know.

Related posts:

1. 10 Things You May Not Know About Senior Pastors
2. 7 Ways I Protect My Family Life in Ministry
3. Help For Ministry Wives (Interview with Rachel Lovingood)
4. Wanted: Super-Pastor
5. 2 Things Every Organization MUST Have