Pastor Jerry Eze, has recently opened up about the challenges he faces as a pastor. In a statement, he shared some opinions on the overlooked struggles that some pastors endure, particularly in Nigeria and across the world.
Pastor Eze described his journey as “weird,” citing instances where he invested his heart and soul into people who later acted as if he didn’t exist. He spoke of hours spent in counseling and deliverance sessions, only to be disregarded or even deleted from their lives by those he helped. The pastor also mentioned the irony of being publicly slandered by individuals he had honored.
Pastor Jerry Eze also explained how the same sermon could be perceived differently by various individuals – what might be life-changing for one person could be deemed boring or even anger-inducing by another.
A significant point of contention he addressed is the common accusation that pastors are primarily motivated by financial gain. He pointed out the expectations placed on religious leaders regarding their lifestyle – being labeled materialistic and greedy if they possess nice things, yet considered unsuccessful or not blessed if they live modestly.
Pastor Eze also touched on the personal sacrifices made by pastors, including the constant demand for their time, money, and resources. He noted the criticism they face when setting boundaries to maintain their mental health and family life, often being see as selfish.
Despite these challenges, Pastor Eze revealed that the role of a pastor is ultimately fulfilling and life-changing, especially when viewed as a service to God.
“Pastoring is weird. I’ve poured my heart and soul into people who now act like I don’t exsist. I’ve done hours of counseling and deliverance with people who later deleted me. I’ve publicly honored people who chose to slander me and act like I was a villain. And then there’s people I rarely have conversations with that honor and respect me to the highest degree. Some leaders have washed my feet while others have thrown dirt on my name.
Pastoring is weird. I’m too much for some, yet too little for others. The same preaching that convicts one person angers another. The same sermon that was boring to one was massively impactful to another. Praised for being so loving and graceful, yet slandered for being too loving and graceful in certain situations.”