“Pastors only work on Sundays, right?” I’ve heard that phrase countless times, usually spoken with a smirk. While it might sound harmless, it reveals a common misconception about ministry. What many don’t see are the countless hours pastors spend praying, preparing, and serving behind the scenes. Sundays may be the most visible part of a pastor’s week, but the real work of shepherding happens long before and after the sermon is preached.
Pastors often joke that they wear many hats. The truth is—it’s less a joke and more like a daily fashion show nobody asked for. Some days ministry feels like a revolving hat rack—shepherd, teacher, counselor, administrator, visionary, comforter, crisis responder, event planner, fundraiser, mediator, mentor… and yes, sometimes plumber, janitor, and exterminator. If you’ve never had to chase a raccoon out of the church attic, just wait (true story)!
On any given week, a pastor may prepare a sermon, officiate a funeral, lead a board meeting, counsel a couple in crisis, visit a hospital, unclog a toilet, and be asked to “just say a few words” at a community event. The list is endless.
Paul captures this tension well when he writes, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Ministry rarely fits neatly into one category. It’s not linear; it’s more like a mosaic of responsibilities stitched together by the Holy Spirit and held together by a divine call.
Here’s the ah-ha moment: wearing many hats isn’t just the cost of ministry—it’s also the calling. Each hat reveals another glimpse of Christ Himself:
- The Shepherd’s Hat – pointing people to green pastures and still waters.
- The Teacher’s Hat – unpacking God’s Word in ways people can live out on Monday.
- The Servant’s Hat – washing feet through unseen acts of love.
- The Prophet’s Hat – speaking truth even when it’s easier to stay silent.
- The Comforter’s Hat – showing up in hospital rooms and grief-filled living rooms.
Pastor, here’s the freeing truth: you’ll never wear every hat perfectly—and you’re not supposed to. Ministry isn’t about flawless performance; it’s about faithful presence. That’s why Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The hats may feel heavy, but Christ carries them with you.
To the congregation: your pastor is more than the Sunday sermon. Behind the pulpit is a person who has been juggling more roles than you’ll ever see. Ephesians 4:12 reminds us pastors are called “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” That means ministry is a team sport, not a one-man show. The hats of the pastor are meant to be shared across the body of Christ.
To the weary pastor: take heart. When you feel overwhelmed by the revolving hat rack, remember, you’re not wearing them alone. Christ wore them first. He is Shepherd, Teacher, Servant, Prophet, and Comforter. He invites us to reflect His heart in every season, trusting that the same One who called you will also sustain you.
Brian L Powell 