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A Pastoral Rant about Pastoral Recommendations

An open letter to every single human being who has ever asked for a pastoral recommendation (or who might ask for one in the future).
A Pastoral Rant about Pastoral Recommendations

Dear Requester of a Pastoral Recommendation,

There are a few things I need to be honest about concerning pastoral recommendations before I fill out yours. I just can’t keep silent any longer.

So, let me get a few things off my chest.

When I became a pastor, one responsibility I never anticipated would take so much time is writing pastoral recommendations.

I don’t mind writing recommendations for the people I’ve have the privilege to love, serve, and pray for. I get to healthily brag about women and men who want to faithfully serve God in a new position or grad school, a missions trip or community organization. But wow, I write a lot. (Certainly you know that your organization/ministry/school/missions agency/denomination/church isn’t the only one asking for a recommendation, right?) In fact, I’m thinking of adding “Pastor of Recommendations” to my official title and job description.

Here are seven types of recommendations that make me cringe.

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Posted:
March
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