"Pastors Only Work 30 Minutes A Week” - by Michael Krahn

Found here. Our comments in bold.
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This article smacks of self-aggrandizement. Here we have a noble, selfless pastor laboring away under a great burden, called to selfless service, who is the only one in his church able to carry these responsibilities and endure these hardships. And it seems the congregation simply doesn't appreciate him enough. 

"To all of this, pastors are called," he writes.

Oh, please. If one consults the Bible, one will not find any of these duties or privileges explained, or even mentioned, regarding pastors. The biblical fact of the matter is that pastors don't lead churches, the elders do (1 Peter 5:1-3). 

This is not to diminish the efforts of well-meaning, though probably misguided pastors like the author. We appreciate these men for their devotion, but we would suggest they embrace a more biblical view of church leadership and let the elders and deacons share the load and lead the church.

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It’s a very busy 30 minutes…

Comforting those who struggle with sin while striving to put it to death.

Exhorting those who feign holiness as a cover for unimaginable wickedness.

Rejoicing over a long-awaited birth. 

Grieving with the parents of a stillborn.

Receiving the anguished cries of hearts in pain.

Mourning the defiant screams of hearts in rebellion.

Witnessing the final breaths of saints who are almost home.

Presiding over the funeral service of one who died without hope.

Conducting the joyous wedding of two young people in love.

Being the first witness to the hidden transgression, the broken covenant, and the imminent divorce.

Shepherding the young leader who feels called to greater responsibility.

Confronting the bully who must command and control everything he puts his hand to.

Labouring alongside those who are faithful companions in the work.

Fending off those who come in close to betray more precisely.

Baptizing young believers who are excited about their newfound faith.

Witnessing the despairing renunciation of that same faith.

Enjoying heartfelt encouragement from well-meaning church members.

Wincing at words meant to wound, delivered by those who were once counted as friends.

Welcoming a prodigal home after a decade of wandering.

Watching one you love embark on a journey away from the church.

And more.

In addition to all of these…

We must confront a reluctance to take measure of our own faults.

We must consider the fact that we urge others to trust in God while often failing to trust Him ourselves.

We must admit that we fail to accomplish what isn’t ours to attempt and then question God for not “doing something.”

We must confess that we preach on Sunday what we often fail to practice on Monday.

We must give an account for the souls in our care (Hebrews 13:17).

We’ll be judged with greater strictness (James 3:1).

Lord,

Please have mercy on our souls and the souls in our care!

And in addition to all of the above…

There is a 30 to 40-minute Sunday sermon that took 10-15 hours to prepare.

And all of it in only 30 minutes a week! Of course, I jest…

To all of this, pastors are called, and so we willingly engage. Sympathy is neither helpful nor required. Encouragement would be good. Support is always welcome. Handwritten notes are a blessing beyond measure.

Even the occasional joke about “only working 30 minutes a week” can add some levity to the heavy days, as long as we know that you understand what it's really like.

The Shepherd’s Refuge provides pastoral care for pastors and ministry leaders. Reach out if you need care, support, or counsel.