Irrational Beliefs of Ministers
- I must succeed, even with very difficult congregations.
- My congregation must like me.
- I must like my congregation (but not too much).
- My interpretations must be great.
- I must be a better-than-average minister.
- I must never be weak or neurotic.
- I must never be bored or bum-out.
- I must be totally disciplined.
- It's awful when I fail. I'm awful when I fail.
- Failure is always mine or satan's fault.
- Hard work should always result in success, whatever that is. Ministry shouldn't be this hard,
- Failure today cancels yesterday's successes.
Congregations should:
- work hard
- get better
- listen to me
- be bright and attractive improve fairly easily
When congregations don't do what they should, they are:
- carnal
- unsuitable for the Kingdom
- full of sin
- trying to ruin my day
Major categories of irrational beliefs:
- I must do very well almost all the time
- I must have my congregation's love and approval Congregations should be a certain way
- I mustn't be human... I must be "superhuman"
E. Dixon Murrah
June 29, 2007
Adapted from A. Ellis, 1984
