The laity should be empowered so as to keep the pastorate humble and accountable.

Seriously, the worst thing that ever happened to Lutheranism was forgetting that Luther's harshest words were to pastors and bishops. It's supposed to be a hard job, and you don't deserve respect just for being in the office. Sure, the laity are called in Scripture to honor their shepherds; but this should mean all the more that the pastor works hard to deserve it.

Pastors are forged in the fires of ministerial misery and labor. I thank God for my suffering and long nights of endless work. A pastor with a problem-free life should be worried that God thinks less of him on account of the kid-gloves treatment.