Pastor Isaac Love Pappoe, Head Pastor of Christ-Life Avenue, has shed light on the pressures pastors face due to their age. In a candid Facebook post, he addressed how societal expectations can impact both older and younger ministers, urging them to focus on their divine calling rather than public opinion.
“When a pastor is old, it’s said, ‘He’s old school, we need fresh blood and a modern ministry,’” Pastor Pappoe remarked. He explained that such criticisms often leave older pastors feeling frustrated and questioning their relevance.
Conversely, younger pastors are not spared from scrutiny. “He’s just a boy, he has a long way to go, and I can’t submit to someone I’m older than,” Pastor Pappoe shared as a common refrain. This, he noted, drives many young ministers to exaggerate their age or ministry experience to gain respect.
Addressing both groups, Pastor Pappoe emphasized that effectiveness in ministry is not determined by age. “It’s not about your age; it’s what you carry, how you carry yourself, and how well prepared you are through God’s word and Spirit,” he said.
He encouraged young pastors with biblical examples, noting, “David was only 17 when he killed Goliath,” and reminding them that Timothy was likely just 20 years old when ordained. He referenced 1 Timothy 4:12, urging young ministers to “let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
For older pastors, Pastor Pappoe shared encouragement from Proverbs 16:31, stating, “Be glad because you have wisdom and experience, and no one can steal that from you.”
In his concluding remarks, Pastor Pappoe urged ministers to remain authentic and committed to their calling. “You cannot please all your members. Some will despise you either because you’re too young or too old. Be yourself and make sure you’re faithfully carrying out God’s work,” he advised. Quoting Colossians 3:17, he reminded pastors to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God.”
His message serves as a powerful reminder for pastors to rise above societal expectations and remain focused on their mission to serve God and their congregations faithfully.
