A CONCERNED layman writes, "I have been a member of this church since 1926. Up until about 1940 one could call or write his pastor, and the pastor was always available within reasonable limits. His wife was always at home unless she was making calls with her husband. Now the pastor seems seldom available. His wife is less available. She has the profession she pursues, and is about her own business, knowing little of her husband's work."
The letter suggests that much of the absenteeism of the pastor is owing to his being out of the district attending various meetings. The writer concludes, "I am one hundred per cent loyal to this cause, but it seems that these meetings for the workers are so frequent they interfere with the work God gave the pastor to do, that of feeding the flock."
The problem of the absentee pastor is one that concerns many of our laymen. That the major cause is owing to attendance at meetings may be subject to question. The important fact is that the pastor should recognize his responsibility to stay close to his people. Generally speaking, our laymen are very considerate, and if they know that the pastor is about his work, keeping a proper balance between preaching and visiting, and that he has a concern also for the souls of those without the church, leading him into a vigorous visitation and Bible-study program among those of the community, then certainly they will be slow to criticize. However, if he is known to be slack in these necessary functions and at the same time unavailable when emergencies arise, there is cause for concern.
Is it not wise for the pastor to follow the practice of notifying the first elder when he is going to be out of the district? Then his whereabouts will be known, and a means of contact is ensured in case of emergency. The conscientious pastor will find it to his own advantage for his congregation to know what he is about.
The matter of communication and staying close to the people is becoming increasingly important as we seek to bridge the gap between the laymen and the clergy. Pastors must avoid as far as possible any reason for criticism. This does not mean that he will hover over the flock like a nursemaid or waste valuable time in unnecessary chatter. He will be too busy for that. But his members will know that he cares and is approachable and available in every time of need. A pastor with such rapport will not need to worry about the support of his people and their cooperation in the work of the church.
