It’s the most difficult time of the year—for many pastors in the Maritimes, at least. It’s annual business meeting time. Some of the harsh realities of church finances and congregational struggles have to be faced.

Frequently, the pastor has to accept much of the responsibility for whatever is not going well in a particular congregation. Worse than that, the annual business meeting is often the time for church members to decide if they want to keep their pastor for another year (or more).

Various churches and pastors handle the matter of pastoral review differently and some methods are better than others. There should be a review process to assist the pastor and congregation to do their job better. But from my perspective and experience (as a pastor’s wife) it’s evident that some pastors’ jobs are on the line each year at the annual pastoral “roast.”

There is something deeply disturbing about the way one vocal disgruntled member of a congregation can quietly rally supporters to cause an uproar at the annual meeting with the purpose of turfing the pastor. Or, at the minimum, their complaints will make it clear to the “hired servant” (this is how they see the pastor) that he or she is not wanted.

Furthermore, since this is often done without the pastor or his spouse present, the pastor may never know for sure who or how many really do not want him, or even why. He is just supposed to accept the criticism meekly.

Even if the majority votes to keep the pastor, the unmistakable message is sent. Even if the pastor decides to stay, the consideration is planted in his mind that he should investigate other options for employment soon.

Pastors and their families often do not put down relationship roots in a church or make themselves too emotionally vulnerable because they fear being hurt. How can a pastor and spouse pour their heart and soul into the ministry work under these circumstances?

For congregations that say a vote is necessary to get rid of “bad” pastors, let me ask this: How do you expect to keep good pastors, if you make them feel they are in fact only temporary hired servants risking annual public humiliation?

Not much wonder that every spring and summer an “annual migration” of pastors takes place. Frequently, pastors are not looking for greener fields, or to move up in their profession, but to simply find a congregation who will love them and let them do the work God has called them to do.

It’s all very sad. Don’t people realize what “roasting” does to the psyche of a pastor, spouse and family? Being a pastor is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. A pastor is on call 24/7. A pastor has to be willing to drop his sermon prep, a planned date night with his spouse or whatever plan he might have to run to the side of a sick or a needy parishioner or even a stranger who calls with a crisis.

A pastor can’t please all the people all the time and still do what God calls him to do. Under the gun of the “vote,” he works wounded—knowing he may soon move on. It is amazing that pastors are as devoted, enthusiastic and passionate as they are. God has obviously gifted many of them with a humble love and forgiveness, and a committed call to serve God’s people even under difficult challenges.

So, take the time to encourage your pastor and his spouse. Pray for them as they work—and think very carefully