Working for The Boss

By VIKKI BLAND


Some bosses are bliss, while others can be challenging. But what's it like working for the ultimate boss - supernatural, unseen, unchallengeable God?

While all churches have unique beliefs, aims, directions, policies and many have "corporate" hierarchies, religious teachers tend to be united by the belief that it is God, not the church, temple, or synagogue, who is ultimately in charge.

But what is working for God like? Are there key performance indicators? Is it wrong to complain about work conditions to God - or to ask God for a pay rise? And can health and safety policies (think of missionaries in warring countries) or a concern for work/life balance (working for God doesn't stop at 5pm) even exist with God in charge?

Logically, working for God takes faith and a fair amount of faithfulness.

Anthony Stone has been a Salvation Army minister for 30 years and is a fourth generation "Salvationist".

"It's in my blood, it's part of what I am," he says.

He says while there is huge fulfilment in public ministry, it can be tough, too.

"I don't know that you can complain to God, but I do in my humanness. Even Jesus asked, 'Why have you forsaken me?' and didn't get an answer."

He says working for God is exacting.

"There is that sense of doing it right and getting it right and fulfilling [your] calling. The tough part is that there is urgency about the message and that weighs heavily on me. There's a lot to do."

Jeremy Lawrence, senior rabbi for the Auckland Hebrew Congregation, can relate to that. An Oxford law graduate, Lawrence, 38, pursued positions of congregational leadership from a young age; working as a rabbi in Britain before accepting "a great opportunity in an exciting country" seven years ago.

"In London, until a rabbi works his way up the tree, he is at the bottom of it. In New Zealand, the position is one of being a big fish in a small pond," says Lawrence.

He says his role has allowed him to work with export industries identifying and approving kosher food and alcohol (he established the brand name "Kosher Kiwi"), as well as meeting the social and spiritual needs of a congregation.

"I believe delivering a spiritual service and educating people have value."

However, Lawrence says there are "losses". He works 100-hour weeks and doesn't have dinner with his three children as often as he would like to. He is at the beck and call of his congregation at all hours and, unfortunately, during school holidays. Some members even inquire after his leisure activities. "One lady told me she was 'comfortable' with the fact I don't watch Sex in the City," he laughs.

Malcolm Barrow, senior pastor for Northcross Community Church on Auckland's North Shore, says Christian pastors are generally bound to proper behaviours by the terms of their contracts.

"If a pastor does anything morally wrong or way outside the theological position of the church then it is usually in the pastor's contract that they will resign," he says.

A pastor for 43 years, Barrow says working for God is all-consuming and more professional than many people realise.

"This is not a job, it's a lifestyle. You are on call 24 hours a day, you sit by people's bedsides while they are dying, and people are often in your home. If you are not willing about this, then you have a problem."

He says most modern pastors are tertiary-qualified, work hard and the pay is modest but provides a living - a pastor can expect to be paid between $45,000 and $60,000 unless a body of elders or church governance decides otherwise.

"In our church, if we can't provide a house then we provide a living allowance. And I get allowances for books, fuel and providing hospitality which help."

Stone has a similar providence, but medical insurance and a Salvation Army uniform allowance is included.

Lawrence's accommodation is provided by his congregation and his salary by a board of management. He says he wouldn't dream of asking God for more money or better working conditions.

"I am not starving but nor do I have a yacht in the harbour. Ultimately I believe the real rewards are in the next life."

Barrow says a life spent in God's service is often borne well by the shared commitment of a husband and wife, but children of pastors can find the going tough.

"People presume they are above normal because they are the pastor's kid and [judge] their activities or interests, especially teens. I always tried to protect the home and set aside time for the children."

Unlike Lawrence, Barrow feels God is open to discussions on working conditions and pay.

"Yes, you can talk with God about it; he understands your need, anyway. But you also have to talk to the leadership of the church."

As for that safe working environment, Barrow says if his church needed him to go to Iraq tomorrow, then he would.

"We would discuss it and we pray about it. We have a group of young adults going to Indonesia in a month and it's a dangerous situation, but they want to go. Pastors go to Papua New Guinea, Africa. They work and learn how Christians work in other lands."

Back home, life as a religious leader can be far less edgy and more like hard work.

"People approach you for advice no matter where you are or what you are doing; it's the same for doctors and lawyers," says Lawrence.

Barrow puts it plainly: "If you're not a people person, then you shouldn't be a pastor."




Tips for would-be religious leaders


Jeremy Lawrence:

* Dedicate time for family. If every minister or rabbi's domestic life came crashing down on them, then that's not a good advocate for God.

* Don't imagine that just because you want to speak in God's name, God will agree with everything you say.

Malcolm Barrow:

* [Once qualified and working] keep learning, keep reading the right things - stretch yourself.

* Don't get trapped by the guilt of not doing enough or the pride of working long hours. The congregation doesn't expect it; aim for sensible discipline and organisational skills.

Anthony Stone:

Why God?

* Be certain of your vocational calling. Church leadership is too hard without the blessing of God. If it is right, then be glad of it, revel in it.

"I believe God is all-powerful and if he could make us do what he wanted us to, then there would be no room for faith. Faith is about having belief and asking God questions and making society a better place" - Jeremy Lawrence

"First, because we believe God exists. Because people need a relationship with God and because God's Son gave his life to make that relationship possible. This puts the onus on the individual" - Malcolm Barrow

"Because everything is about God. Everything starts, finishes and holds together in him. Life doesn't make sense without God" - Anthony Stone