People respect leaders. People resist leaders. They love pastors; they hate pastors.

Why this alternating current?

It's fairly easy to understand why people love pastors: the comforting word, help in time of need, biblical instruction. What perplexes and frustrates us are the many reasons people resist pastors, for these objections generally lie hidden in dark subterranean chambers of the soul.

I've gone spelunking of late and brought specimens to the surface. See how many of these reasons for resistance you recognize:

"I know you can bring the changes we need—growth, vision, structure. But I don't like the discomfort you cause when those things produce disruption and tension."

"I had hoped you would be a special friend to me, but you don't have enough time for me, and I don't have enough objectivity to realize my expectation was unrealistic."

"I used to have more power before you came" or "I have power, and you don't, and I want to keep it that way."

"You remind me of (pick one) a former pastor, ...