Is It Really A Pastor Shortage?

I'm not always so sure that we have

'a pastor shortage.'

I am more sure that we have a shortage of

full-time calls that can support a pastor with a family.

I am more sure that we have a shortage of people

who can afford 7 years of full-time higher education

and the loans and living expenses included.

I am more sure that we have a shortage of

congregations that want a woman pastor,

or an LGBTQIA+ pastor,

or a non-White pastor,

or a pastor with a disability,

or a pastor with an accent.

I am more sure that we have a shortage of

congregations that didn't destroy their pastors

through toxic conflict during the pandemic

or before.

I am more sure that we have a shortage of

congregations that want to be actively engaged

in serving the oppressed in their communities, and instead

prefer to function more like private membership clubs.

I am more sure that we have a shortage of

congregations that want to open their doors

and welcome in people who do not look or act like them,

and instead prefer to wish that time would turn back

to the 1950s

when women's volunteer labor was plentiful;

where families could sustain themselves on one income;

where the Baby Boom packed every pew, Sunday School, and nursery...

We live in different times now

and I would never want to go back.

It's time to realize where we are now,

where we are going,

and follow in the footsteps of Jesus.