6) We tend to internalize our jobs… a lot.
When someone leaves the church, we feel it. When someone complains about the sermon, we feel it. The truth is that a lot of pastors have a hard time hearing critique because of how much of their own identity is tied up in their ministry. Of all the times I’ve heard “I love you pastor” I can only think of a few that weren’t followed by “but…” and some type of complaint. Consider a 2/1 ratio of appreciation to complaints for pastor appreciation month!