The “No-man’s” Land of the Associate Pastor

I was really busy for three years.  At least I thought I was.  For three years I served as a pastor to students while attending seminary full-time.  I tried to fulfill each of my roles to the best of my ability, but inevitably I fell short.  Seminary do-dates came quicker than I anticipated and I would forget about certain responsibilities in ministry.  Looking back on those years, I praise God for His faithfulness in giving me grace everyday.  I did not deserve the success He gave me in school or ministry.

When I graduated from seminary, I was convinced that full-time, unhindered ministry would help me to become a more complete pastor.  I was wrong.  The church I serve has a modest-sized Sunday morning attendance, three pastors (including myself), and the program offerings of a church three times our size.  If you serve at this type of church, I’m sure you’ll agree with what I am about to say.  When you work in an average church, you do a little bit of everything. Technically, my title starts with the words Associate Pastor, but sometimes sandwich artist, amateur graphic designer, or custodian may better describe my day.  Before becoming an Associate Pastor I had no idea what their role was or what their job entailed.  After becoming one, I still don’t.

The job of Associate Pastor is kind of a “no-man’s land.”  Every day is a little different.  Some projects or ministries are broad and continue on indefinitely, others are temporary and have a very specific focus.  Most Associate Pastors I know juggle so many balls and wear so many hats they can rarely keep them all straight.  I want to be careful here.  I don’t want it to sound as though I am unhappy or ungrateful in my current position.  I love my role as an Associate Pastor.  I feel it is what God has called me to and what He gives me grace for.  Because of those truths, I have spent the last several months pondering, studying, and praying about what the role of the Associate Pastor should be and how I can best fill it at my church for the glory of God.

When you wear so many hats, it is only natural to question how you spend your time and energy.  How often do I study?  How much and who should I counsel?  What events and programs should I plan and what should I delegate to lay people?  When do I bring matters to the Senior Pastor and when do I handle them myself?  Hopefully, this helps you to realize why I consider the role of Associate Pastor to be kind of a “no-man’s land.”

For the answers to many of these questions, I look to Timothy and the instructions and encouragement Paul gave him.  While Timothy led his own congregation of sorts, he was still under the supervision of Paul in many ways.  This is, gratefully, how I often feel.  My Senior Pastor is careful to give me many opportunities for ministry and let me pastor those who are under my care, but he is always there for encouragement, advice, and correction.  With that in mind, here are three lessons Associate Pastors can learn from Paul’s admonishment and Timothy’s ministry.

Teach and encourage those whom you shepherd.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:  preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

- 2 Timothy 4:1-2

In my experience Associate Pastors have a myriad of opportunities to teach, some formal and many more informal.  Whether it is a Sunday morning sermon, a small group Bible study, or a one-on-one conversation in the hallway, like Timothy, pastors must be ready to teach.  What should we teach and how should we teach it?  Paul tells Timothy to teach sound (Biblical) doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3-11; 2 Timothy 1:13).  He also instructs Timothy to be an example of this doctrine lived out (1 Timothy 4:6).  In doing this teaching and shepherding, Paul says that Timothy will fulfill his ultimate responsibility, to “guard the deposit entrusted to you” (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:14).

Be an example of godliness and prayer.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  -1 Timothy 2:1-4

I have recently been burdened by my need to pray as an Associate Pastor.  Because many Senior Pastors have the responsibility to preach and to work with the leadership of the congregation, they are often unable to have some of the same types of conversations with church attendees that other pastors do.  Those quick conversations in the hallway on Sunday mornings or a conversation with a student about what their parents and family is struggling through can be invaluable in pastoral ministry.  Even in a two minute conversation, we may have the opportunity to bless someone with a timely word from the Lord or the promise of prayer throughout the week.

Support the Senior Pastor and Encourage Him.

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

-1 Timothy 5:17-19

I love my Senior Pastor, not only is he a mentor of mine, but he is one of my best friends.  I am constantly encouraged by his heart for the Lord, his faithfulness to the Gospel, and his care for me.  Serving under a Senior Pastor such as mine, I do not wonder why Paul said men like him are worthy of “double honor.”  Whether we, as “Associate” Pastors realize it or not, the responsibility to lead a church, the weight of many souls, and the task of rightly preaching the Word of God is a heavy burden.  Part of our role, Biblically, is to come alongside our Senior Pastors and encourage them as they labor in ministry.

I praise God for Paul’s instructions to Timothy and for Timothy’s faithfulness in carrying them out.  I only hope that through God’s grace, I may “guard the deposit entrusted to” me with a slight measure of the devotion that Paul and Timothy demonstrated.  I love being an Associate Pastor.  I love not knowing what my day will be like.  I love to wear many different hats.  And I love to teach, shepherd, pray for, and support those whom God has entrusted me with for this short time here on earth.  My prayer is that you would love those things too.  To God be all the glory.

Adam Fix

Associate Pastor

adamfix@calvaryefree.org