When Pastoral Insecurity Creeps In

This past week, our denomination held its 119th state convention for Oklahoma Baptists. It was truly a great two days of hearing reports, seeing what the Lord is doing, and reconnecting with friends. On Monday, we had our Pastor’s Conference. I look forward to this day every year just as much as I look forward to Christmas—and I love celebrating Christmas. One of the guest speakers scheduled was Pastor Jimmy Scroggins, lead pastor at Family Church in West Palm Beach, FL. Due to flight conditions connected to the government shutdown, Pastor Scroggins couldn’t make it.

Our Pastor’s Conference president had to adjust the schedule and asked one of our local pastors to preach during his slot. To be honest, I wasn’t paying attention to who was preaching next. I was enjoying the sermons and hearing a word from the Lord, and I didn’t mind who came up—just keep the ball rolling. I wouldn’t have even noticed the switch unless he had mentioned it.

I would share his name and where he serves, but I don’t have his permission to include the next part. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, but I don’t want to embarrass him or cause any hurt. His sermon was great; in fact, I enjoyed it more than most of the others, aside from hearing from Dr. Danny Akin—a longtime hero of the faith for me. But it was something he said that caught me off guard, and I ended up stewing on it the rest of the time.

He said, “Any follower of Christ must be ripped of any pride.”

This statement I wholeheartedly agree with. However, it was what he did afterward that got me thinking. He began, in a lighthearted way, to belittle himself—saying how people would be disappointed to see him preaching instead of Dr. Scroggins, along with a few other small self-deprecating jokes. People laughed—he was trying to be funny. I even chuckled at one of his comments.

But as he spoke, I couldn’t help thinking of a few other pastors I had met at the convention—and many others I’ve met on the road—who have told me they struggle with insecurity in some form. I don’t think the pastor preaching that day was insecure in that moment. However, I do know this: as soon as you begin saying you’re not enough, your brain will soon start to believe it.

Pastoral ministry is a sacred calling—but it is also a deeply human one. The statistics are sobering: nearly 90% of pastors report feeling insecure in some area of their ministry. Many confess that weekly preaching feels more like a burden than a blessing. Others fear disappointing their congregation, especially when placed on a pedestal they never asked for.

Insecurity is real, and it is heavy. But it is not inevitable. Scripture offers a clear path toward confidence—not in ourselves, but in Christ. It begins with understanding the difference between humility and insecurity.

1. Humility Is Required for a Pastor—Insecurity Is Not

“The Lord knows those who are His.” — 2 Timothy 2:19

Humility is a mark of Christlikeness. It makes a pastor approachable, likable, grounded, and teachable. Humility doesn’t weaken a pastor’s leadership—it strengthens it. A humble pastor is secure enough to admit mistakes, accept correction, and grow in wisdom. Humility produces integrity, which is the foundation of long-term ministry.

Insecurity, however, is something very different.

Insecurity whispers lies: “You’re not enough.” “Someone else could do this better.” “You’re going to fail.”

Left unchecked, insecurity becomes a slow erosion of the soul. It strips a pastor of his God-given identity and blinds him to the gifts and calling placed on his life. It can even make a man reject a simple compliment because he believes he is unworthy of it.

Humility bows before God.Insecurity bows before fear.

One leads to confidence in Christ; the other leads to constant self-doubt. Pastors must embrace humility while rejecting insecurity as the enemy of their calling.

2. Build Real Relationships—Don’t Hide Who You Are

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36

Pastoral insecurity often thrives in isolation. When a pastor believes he must always appear strong, flawless, or spiritually superior, he becomes trapped on a pedestal built by other people’s expectations.

But Jesus came to bring freedom—not false perfection.

Pastors need trusted relationships where they can be open, honest, and deeply known. Friends who understand the weight of ministry. Mentors who ask real questions. Fellow believers who remind them they are human—not superhuman.

Freedom in Christ gives pastors permission to be themselves—imperfect yet loved, called yet still growing. Hiding only feeds insecurity. Honest relationships starve it.

3. Your Calling Is Secure in Christ, Not in Performance

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:29

A pastor’s worth is not measured by the quality of last Sunday’s sermon, attendance numbers, or congregational approval. Ministry is not a performance—it is a calling. And Scripture tells us clearly: God does not take back what He has given.

When a pastor forgets this, insecurity becomes the driving force behind everything he does. But when he remembers that God called him, equipped him, and promised to complete the work He began (Philippians 1:6), insecurity loses its power.

The calling is God’s.The results are God’s.The glory is God’s.

And that truth brings rest.

Final Encouragement

Spurgeon once wrote, “The confidence which we have in God belongs not to the proud but to the humble.” The Lord has called you to this work, and—most importantly—He has set you free as a human being.

Pastor, insecurity does not have to define your ministry. You are known by God, freed by Christ, and called with a purpose that cannot be revoked. Embrace humility, build honest relationships, and rest in the security of your calling.

You were never meant to carry the weight of ministry alone—and you don’t have to.