Integrity, inspiration and frustration in ministry ...

Ministry is perhaps one of the most rewarding careers around, but it is simultaneously one of the most frustrating and lonely professions imaginable ...

The UCC of late has had a debate within it about the role and place of a union for its clergy. I have been opposed to the notion (for starters it would require a massive reorganization to make it happen), but I can appreciate the motivation and the feelings that lead to wanting a Union to protect our interests and keep us from being abused ...

While I'm not currently in a place where I am being abused, I've been in that place before, and it is not an enjoyable place to be ...

The issues for a Union are legion, but for some of us in ministry it is a matter of being appreciated and feeling valued for what we do ... Would teachers or factory workers continue to work for minimum wage after years and years of service?? Yet, many clergy continue to struggle financially while being paid at the minimums recommended by National. The comments like "you got a raise last year ..." when you went up a category, or the categories marked a whooping 1% increase, are insulting when you consider that for many of us it has require a 7 year commitment to university education (8 in the new system), and a leaving behind of one's family and many of one's support network and friends.

Comments offered even in jest like "buy less books," when you request an increase in your book/study allowance are cutting and insulting to the value we place on continuing our education.

Complicating the whole issue are clergy who say clearly "It's not about the money ..." I can't disagree with that, but when there is a lack of appreciation it becomes about alot more then just the money ...

Small gestures become significant ... small actions become important.

It is hurtful to be the last kid chosen in a sand lot ball game, and it is equally hurtful to knock yourself out only to have EVERYONE else thanked and acknowledged, but because you are the paid staff, you get over looked.

It is hurtful to have the lay leadership note the commitment and devotion of the other staff, offering them thanks and small tokens of appreciation, while as full time you get the same as the part timers, or nothing at all.

It is hurtful to work day in and day out only to be barraged by negative comments about the one little thing you missed that week, and criticizing you for what you didn't do with little or no acknowledgement of what you did do ...

It is hurtful to feel undervalued and under appreciated ... it happens quickly and subtly and it is devestating to the ministry personnel who care deeply about what they do ...

In ministry, it seems that everyone laments you when you announce you are going to leave, but too often they could care less when you slough day in and day out doing far more then what is expected or asked ... I suppose it is stupid to give more then what is asked of you, but in any other profession there would be a reward for hard work ... In ministry it seems that too often, the more you give the more is expected and the less you are appreciated ...

Today we continue to face a crisis of leadership in the United Church of Canada ... we lack new clergy to replace those of us who are resigning and moving on. I no longer wonder why. Too often the neglect of our Pastoral Relations and allowing angry and vindictive people to reign supreme have shortened many wonderful and creative ministries ...

Sadly, I doubt even naming the toxicity will help. I have a shelf of books on conflict in Churches and dealing with unhealthy behaviour ... I wonder if other clergy have the same experience of having the resources, but never seeing the wisdom put into action ... such are the vagaries of the Church.

If it dies by neglect, I wish it well and may actual mourn its passing, but I will look forward to what the Spirit will bring into being to replace it ... I doubt a Union is the answer, but I can appreciate why the question has been raised ... My only hope is that someday our lay people remember that we are people too, and we hurt and bleed and weep just like they do ... we are called by God into ministry, not into spiritual slavery ... and there is a BIG difference.

dayenu,