5 Land Mines Pastors Should Avoid

Written by Dr. James T. Draper, Jr.

Jimmy Draper identifies the following as potential trouble spots in the life of the pastor.

Perform an inventory to make sure you are not falling prey to any of these potentially damaging land mines:

1. Nepotism
This is a very sensitive area. When a minister hires his wife, siblings, children, spouses of his children, etc., it opens up some areas of concern. I believe it is inappropriate unless it comes as a demand from the church itself.

2. Co-mingling of Funds
It is unlawful and inappropriate to use designated funds for budget expenses, or in any other way taking funds intended for one purpose and using it for another.

3. Misuse of Church Credit Card
It is wrong for a pastor to use the church credit card for personal expenses or in excess of the limit the church has stipulated.

4. Misuse of Church Resources
It is wrong for a pastor to use church resources for personal projects whether on home property or any other personal endeavor. This is especially inappropriate when no reimbursement is made to the church.

5. Misuse of Pastoral Authority
It is inappropriate for a pastor to make decisions arbitrarily about new endeavors, missions, etc., without church discussion and approval. One example would be to take up offerings for unauthorized projects.

New books which address these issues:

• Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry (2005)
• Management Essentials for Christian Ministries (2005)

James T. Draper, Jr. recently retired as the president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Before joining the LifeWay staff in August 1991, he served as pastor of Southern Baptist churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. He is a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention and also served as chairman of trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He is the author of more than 20 Christian books and has traveled in 33 countries around the world, leading in evangelistic services and activities, as well as other types of conferences and meetings with missionaries and nationals.

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article