Like the damage that hidden termites can cause, ministry killers – if left unaddressed – can ultimately cause a pastor to quit, become bitter, or compromise his or her values. Though hidden just beneath the surface, they can eventually bring harm to a leader, her family, and her ministry unless she inspects herself and takes appropriate action. Though tiny in size, killers are deadly in power.

For years I knew these “killers” existed, but I wasn’t sure how pervasive they were in other pastors’ lives. After I hired three research organizations (including the Barna Group) to find out, I now know that most of us regularly face them. These organizations surveyed almost 2000 pastors and discovered 5 ministry killers:

Thus, my book, 5 Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them, evolved. This research revealed many sad stories about how these killers can sap the passion from us.

I’ll never forget the account of a female pastor (I’ll refer to her as “Pastor Suzy” to protect her identity). After Pastor Suzy’s first week as Senior Pastor of a church, a woman visited her office and asked when they could begin to have lunch together each week. A bit surprised at the woman’s forwardness, Pastor Suzy asked why she wanted to do this so often. The woman responded, “The previous pastor and I ate lunch together every week.” Pastor Suzy then informed the woman that it would work best if they met on an “as-needed” basis. The woman, however, wielded great influence in the church as a leader in six key ministries. In addition, she was the church’s treasurer and did not like Pastor Suzy’s response. So she began to criticize and undermine the pastor every chance she got. The final straw came when the woman set up the church’s bank account so that only she could access the financial records. The church ultimately consulted a lawyer. Although, over time, the woman was relieved of all her duties, she remained in the church. Not surprisingly, her unchanged attitude took a huge toll on Pastor Suzy.

Pastor Suzy described her pain this way: “I have prayed for her. I have lost much sleep over her. I have tried to see her through Jesus’ eyes. I have tried to not bring up her name in any conversation, but she has become the central focus of everything that is going on here at the church. I have allowed her to have great power over my peace. I am attempting to get by this. It is difficult.

I am still here as pastor, and the church asked me to return again. This year I will begin my seventh here, if I’m still alive! Some days this feels like the end of the world. Other days I cope very well.”