The month of October is set aside as a special time to honor pastors and their familes. In the Assemblies of God, we designate the second Sunday of October as National Ministers’ Day. This year it is October 8th.
I must admit that it is nice that to know that our pastors are going to be appreciated in a special way on a special day. However, it is just as important to remember and recognize them and their families every day of the year. The New American Standard Version reads, “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”
I am convinced that the vast majorority of our pastors and ministers take seriously their call to ministry. They work hard, long, and sacrificially to fulfill their calling. There are times when they have to battle the feelings of lonlinest, disappointment, discouragement and even criticism. They wrestle with issues of personal finance. On one hand we live in a world which requires money to buy food, clothes, shelter, piano lessons and education for our children. Yet, at the same time, we are called upon to live a life of faith. It’s a matter of balance.
Ministers and their familes are living under incredible pressures. They live in a fishbowl. Congregations and communities observe and watch how the minister live out their faith in the the midst of a pressure packed world that surprises each one with crisis after crisis. The minister is often called upon to minister to a parishoner in crisis while at the same time dealing with his or her own personal crisis. In some cases people expect their pastor or minister to have ideal familes and be perfect people. There are sometimes the unrealistic expectations of having all the answers and to never let anyone down.
In spite of all the pressures, God has entrusted to your pastor, the calling to be your spiritual servant, your overseer, your guardian, the shepherd of the flock. A true shepherd of the flock will give his life for the sheep. I believe that is the attitude of your pastor. By the way, I believe that the same stresses and pressures apply to pastoral staff as well. They too experience the same calling and commitment as the senior pastor. Pastoral staff are “worthy of double honor” too.
Christianity Today listed eight ways to encourage your pastor that goes beyond just recognizing him or her on a special day or month. (1) Cut the cricism. Ministers are the most critiqued people. (2) Pray regularly. I am encouraged when I hear a congregation publicly lifting their pastor up in prayer. I suspect thhat those same people do so in their private prayers. (3) Express appreciating in writing. A spoken compliment is nice, but I have found written ones to be exceptionally encouraging. I have a “bless me” file filled with notes that I have kept over the years. They have been a tremendous encouragement in moments of personal despair. They can be read over and over again. (4) Use your skills to bless. Help your pastor master computer skills, if he is not proficient. If you are a mechanic, service his car. (5) Squelch gossip. If you hear a negative comment, respond with a positive one. If misinformation is being spread, correct it with accurate information. Walk away from gossip when you hear it. (6) Offer to meet a need. Instead of telling your pastor that he needs to do something about a particular need, why not instead offer to take care of that need yourself. (7) Be openly responsive. There is nothing so exciting as seeing people responding to one’s preaching and teaching. (8) Throw away the measuring stick. Don’t expect your pastor to do things the same way that their predecessors did. Focus oo how your pastor is being used by God to do effective ministry now. Put aside your own personal preference and agenda.
To these eight encouragements I would like to add two more that can be practiced and lived throughout the year. (9) Honor the pastor’s spouse. Their emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well being will enhance your pastor’s ministry. (10) Adopt the pastor’s children. I referred to my pastor’s daughter as "my #1 PK" (preacher's kid) and I treated her in royal fashion. Your pastor will appreciate your investment in their children's lives.
Do something special as an individual and as a congregation to honor your pastor and family.
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