Relationship Overload

Handling people need not be so difficult — all you need is inexhaustible patience, unfailing insight, unshakable nervous stability, an unbreakable will, decisive judgment, infrangible physique, irrepressible spirits, plus unfeigned affection for all people — and an awful lot of experience. Eric Webster

Listen to these pastors as they describe their common problem: "Trying to meet relationship needs at home and church, in addition to the other duties of my office, often proves too much for me to handle."

"I'm a pastor of a new church that is growing rapidly and moving from the stage where I knew everyone to where I cannot possibly have a significant relationship with them all. Yet people are reluctant to give up that small-church intimacy, particularly with me." This pastor concludes that he's left "feeling like no matter how hard I work at relationships, I am never anywhere close to being caught up."

A third pastor is bothered by "trying to be 'friend' to all people when you cannot adequately ...

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