5 Traits of an Effective Pastor
It does take much to become a pastor. It is another thing to be an effective pastor. What does it take?
What I’m talking about here are not necessarily skills but personality traits. What if you don’t identify these traits in yourself? Then you need to be aware of your weaknesses and to surround yourself with people that can help you to overcome those shortcomings.
These may not seem all that spiritual but the truth is God works through normal human traits.
These are the top five traits based on my experience.
- Compassion – More than just sympathy but an ability to enter into other people’s suffering.
- Courage – There will be times when you need to overcome your own fears.
- Integrity – It is important to be the same person in public and private.
- Patience – Things don’t happen when you want them to. Much of pastoral ministry is just waiting.
- Stubbornness – There are plenty of times when you are going to want to quit. Plain stubbornness can sometimes be the most important trait.
