Some pastors fall into the trap of feeling that their job is to rescue people. But only Christ can save. Perhaps the best thing ministers can do is grasp their own salvation, and share that experience with others. Writes William C. Martin in The Art of Pastoring:
Your task is impossible. Consider the demands:
'Show us God.'
'Tell us what God wants.'
'Lead us to God.'
If you think you can do these things, you are already deceived. But you CAN find your own soul and perhaps show others how to do that. To their surprise they will satisfy their demands on their own.
The Art of Pastoring: Contemplative Reflections, by William C. Martin