10 Questions That Pastors Get Asked (and Their Answers)

One of the best parts of being a pastor is the questions I get—from the profound to the playful. Some make me think hard, some make me laugh, and others remind me how wonderful curiosity really is. Here are ten questions people often ask—and my answers.

1. Do pastors work only on Sundays?

I do work on Sundays, but that’s only part of it. The rest of the week, I write sermons, visit people, plan worship, preside at funerals and memorial services, represent Peace at different community functions, attend meetings, and sometimes discover new talents—like fixing the church copier.

2. Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

It changes all the time! Today it’s Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” Tomorrow it might be something different. Think of it like a playlist—different verses speak to me in different seasons.

3. What do pastors do for fun?

We’re not all locked in the church basement reading hymnals (though some of us might enjoy that). I like movies, books, good food, taking walks, and trying to keep up with new technology.

4. Do pastors get nervous preaching?

Yes! Every Sunday. Even after years of practice, those butterflies still show up. I think of them as holy energy—they keep me grounded and remind me that the message matters. Preaching is also a vulnerable moment for pastors because we put ourselves out there as we proclaim the gospel.

5. Why do pastors wear robes sometimes?

Robes remind us that worship isn’t about the pastor’s fashion sense, but about God. Plus, they save me from closet panic on Sunday mornings!

What about those special garments?

• That long scarf (the stole)? It represents the yoke of service—a sign that I’ve been called to serve in ministry.
• That poncho-looking garment (the chasuble)? That’s for celebrating communion. Think of it as the “party outfit” for the Lord’s Supper.
• The rope belt (the cincture)? It’s mostly practical—it keeps the robe in place. But it also reminds us of simplicity and humility.

6. Can pastors make mistakes?

Oh yes. All the time. I forget names, lose my place in the bulletin, and sometimes say the wrong word in a prayer. The good news: God’s grace covers pastors, too!

7. Do pastors pray all day long?

Not with hands folded and eyes closed, but prayer shows up in lots of small ways—while walking, driving, or even waiting for my tea to steep.

8. Do pastors have a boss?

Yes—God! But in everyday church life, I’m accountable to the congregation, our church council, and to our Synod. They help guide and shape our ministry together.

9. Do pastors ever doubt?

Absolutely. Faith isn’t about having every answer; it’s about trusting God enough to keep asking questions.

10. Can I ask my pastor anything?

Yes! No question is too silly or too small. If you’re wondering about it, I’d love to talk about it. Faith grows when we’re curious together.

Bonus Questions

What’s the most challenging part of being a pastor?

Walking with people through their pain. It’s a privilege, but it can be heavy on the heart. I rely on prayer and community to carry that weight together.

How do you prepare for sermons?

It’s a mix of study, prayer, and listening. I read the Bible text, explore commentaries, and then ask, “What does this mean for us today?” Sometimes inspiration comes at my desk—and sometimes in the grocery store aisle. I also have a group of colleagues that I bounce ideas off of once a week; they’re really helpful.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your ministry?

That God shows up in the ordinary—in conversations, in casseroles delivered after surgery, in children’s laughter, and in quiet tears. Ministry is really about noticing God in everyday life.

Final Thought

Pastors don’t have all the answers, but we do have open hearts (and sometimes open robes). Questions—serious or silly—are one of the best ways to grow in faith and community.