What About Your Pastor?
You’ve probably heard someone say, “Well, what about me?” It may be said for a variety of reasons but
since October is Pastor Appreciation Month, let’s consider this: “What about my
pastor?”
To show love and appreciation, some churches and individuals
make a big deal out of Pastor Appreciation Month. They may have a church supper
in honor of their pastor/s—complete with gifts. Some congregations even send
their pastor and spouse on a cruise or nice vacation. Then of course there are
other congregations which don’t even know the occasion exists, or perhaps
pretend they don’t know.
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I didn’t grow up in a pastor’s home
and I’m not a pastor’s wife, so I’ve not had that personal experience. But I’ve
known many pastors and have been friends with several pastor’s wives and
children. I’ve observed some of the many trials and challenges they go through
on a regular basis.
In an article written by Philip
Wagner*, himself a pastor, he says that Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru, said that the four hardest jobs in America (not necessarily in
order, he added) are: the President of the United States, a university
president, a CEO of a hospital, and a pastor.
e goes on to list
some of the unique problems pastors face.
Here’s a brief synopsis:
1. Pastors face a lot of criticism
from many directions and for many reasons.
2. Pastors experience a lot of rejection
due to the nature of their position and the nature of congregants coming and
going.
3. Pastors often face betrayal,
as they work with their staff and minister to people. It’s not unusual for a
pastor’s staff or church member to turn on them due to personal conflict or
simply not getting their way.
4. Pastors often suffer loneliness
due to the fact that they often find it hard to have a close friend.
5. Pastors grow weary
due to the numerous hours they spend attending to their many responsibilities.
6. Pastors often have many disappointments
and frustrations. Pastors’ salaries are typically average or below the norm
and many pastors must have another job in order to meet the financial needs of
their families. And they often have no good way to measure their successes and
accomplishments. This can be very frustrating. *
Tough skin and a soft heart seem to
be a requirement for pastors.
When was the last time you thought
about the difficulties faced by pastors, their wives, and their children?
Most pastors have such a passion to
serve God, lead people to Christ, and equip the body, they push on through many
hardships and trials—with God’s help. But if you could interview a large group
of pastors, almost all of them would say they’ve experienced many, if not all,
of the above challenges at one time or another.
In Mr. Wagner’s article, he went on
to tell a few things Christians and church members can do to help pastors:
1. Pray for your pastor, that
he/she will hear clearly from God.
2. Protect your pastor. Don't
get involved with gossip and complaining of other church members.
3. Encourage your pastor. Find
ways to help lighten the load and let him/her know you care and want to help in
any way you can.
These three things appear to be very
simple and I believe the Holy Spirit can show us other things we can do for our
pastors that are specific to their individual needs. When we, as church
members, do the above three things with diligence and sincerity, it can make a
huge difference in the lives of our pastors and their families. And just think
of the benefits for the church as well.
Remember to smile at your pastor and be friendly to his/her spouse
and children. If you want to see your pastor smile back, tell him/her that you
appreciate and are praying for him/her.
AND since this is Pastor Appreciation
Month, perhaps a gift card or some such gesture of appreciation is in order.
Ask God to help you come up with the best way to bless your pastor/s.
As with most things, the Internet can
give you numerous suggestions of ways to honor and show love to pastors. Here
is one site you might like to check out that gives ten ways to show
appreciation to your pastor:
We all like to be appreciated.
Imagine yourself in your pastor’s shoes and ask God to show you ways to bless him/her
during Pastor Appreciation Month and ways to be a blessing throughout the year.
In the comment section, please share
ways you have shown appreciation for your pastor or share suggestions that come
to mind. If you are a pastor, how have people shown you appreciation and how
would you enjoy having your congregants show their appreciation.
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* The above italicized sections are
paraphrased from Philip Wagner’s article, “The Secret Pain of Pastors and
Church Leaders.” To read his entire article, go to:
©Connie Wohlford
2019
Poems, gifts of time such as caring for their yardwork, or helping with other duties, and trying to fill his shoes when he's called away. Most of all, as you identify above, I pray, encourage, and support my pastor, my friend.
ReplyDeleteJ.D. I'm sure your pastor loves and appreciates you as much as you love and appreciate him. You are blessed to have each other. Thanks for sharing!
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