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That is as good as teachers have the whole summer off or that they only work from 7 to 2 and have all the vacation days kids do.

if you ever hear me say something like that, you have my permission to slap me upside the head. Anyways, why would people be so jealous of a pastor’s work schedule? Always on call; answering calls in the middle of the night (from man and from God, Himself); 999 out of every 1,000 visits by members is negative news; there are all of the deaths, hospital visits to “on the brink” sick people, broken marriages, runaway and suicidal teens, etc.; and the thousands of complaints about parking, the color of the wall in the ladies bathroom, and how many seconds it took before one of the neon yellow shirted folks said “Hello!” to them compared to someone else.

Really, Rob, you have the perfect job. Nothing to do but talk to happy fellow “high and mighties” in the same boat and on Sundays shake supporters’ hands and hold babies for photo-ops. Oh, sorry that is what Presidential candidates do!

Remember, you know what God has called you to. If the complainers had any idea, they wouldn’t complain. Paraphasing Stephen, “Forgive them for they are clueless!”

Rob, you absolutely deserve a day off without any explanation. I grew up a pastor’s kid (my dad pastors a church in Indiana now and was previously in Ontario, Canada) and I can tell you first hand, as a kid it was sometimes hard to see my parents give so much time to those around me. Although, I was raised in a very nurturing, “always make time for God, spouse, kids (in that direct order)” kind of house…it was always the days that my Dad committed to spending as family days that I appreciate the most.
Now, my parents are older and they take Mondays off to “re-coop” from the weekend schedule. But regardless, Not a lot of people understand what goes into your “line of work”…winning souls for Jesus is sometimes a hard, but as you know, a very rewarding “life time opportunity”.
Keep up the good work!

Our famly was in need of help from the church a few years ago. It was a Friday evening, and Southbrook was so there for us. We were kinda new at that time, and the responce we received was life changing. I will never forget it. It still is fresh in my mind today at how much love was centered around us. People have to Gossip Rob unfortunately. However there are so many of us out there that will squash the rumors!

This is the 21st century people…I’m surprised Rob and the gang haven’t figured out a way to work a couple of days from home (gasp…maybe they already have!)…

Life is too short…I work to live, not live to work…I suggest that what our staff does isn’t work, it’s a calling…a calling given to them by God. That is who they work for, not us. It takes a real servants heart to do what they do and I just want to say thank-you! You all do an awesome job.

consider the source. most that complain have at least twice the amount of time off per week (sometimes more) as you guys

I can’t believe people really think stuff like that. Do they really have that much time on their hands to keep tabs on everyone else? It’s not like pastors punch time clocks. If there was ever a profession were you take your work home with you, pastoring is it. The pastoral staff at SCC is so awesome, and the everyday Joe can have no real idea of all the work you do for the church family, the community, and not to mention your own families. Thank you Rob and all the pastors for everything we see you do and those million things we don’t see you do.

I agree with you guys, lets get past the labor hrs required to do the job and try to count the mental time spent worrying about the church and flock.

Pastors if you need help with anyhting let us know, I have a few extra hours to be of service.

[...] A response to “Southbrook Urban Legend #3” [...]

I have to share as a PK and former “inner-circle employee” of a church staff for over 1 1/2 years. I posted this on Jay’s site but let me reiterate……an awesome book for pastors to feel understood and even more importantly- for CONGFREGANTS to gain some insight and understanding into a life few have much understanding of…..”Clergy Burnout” by Fred Lehr.
Of course those throwing stones rarely take the time to get the true story on most situations they have so much time to gossip about with others-oops, I mean “share”! Proverbs 16:27-28, Proverbs 18:2. If anyone questions the weight of the calling on a pastor’s life they should read 1 Timothy–tell me when then if you would submit to such a high standard in your own life?? Let us not also forget the families of those who have been ‘called to serve’. Little children, teenagers, and even spouses who did not necessarily sign up for the ride are also left to the extreme judgement of life in the fishbowl of ministry while constantly having to sacrifice time with their husband/wife/or parent- all in the name of serving others. I have known doctors who have been on call less while making a lot more money and having a lot more days off during the month. I hope the next time any of these ‘opinionated folks’ are having a crisis and they lift the phone at 3 in the morning for the pastor to meet them at the hospital, they remember to lift him/ her and their family up in prayer and thank God for their servant’s heart. OR when they need marriage counseling….OR there’s been a death….OR they just needed to hear a good message over the weekend to recover from the difficult week they had and to re-energize for the week to come……Get over yourselves people and try praying and supporting those who have dedicated their lives to making sure YOU GET THE MESSAGE!!!!! Rob- keep it real and God bless.

Oh Please! A day off for Rob….what is that? Just ask our kids and see if Daddy ever gets a full day off…even 12 hours would be a miracle!