The pastor—the
shepherd responsible for feeding and caring for the local body of believers,
Jesus’ sheep. In smaller churches, this may be one man who is sometimes
bi-vocational in order to meet the needs of his family. Larger congregations
may have multiple pastors for students, children, worship, etc. all led by the
senior “teaching pastor.” Some churches even have the luxury of a “minister of
pastoral care” who takes on the hospital and shut-in visits and the calls in
the wee hours of the morning from a church member with an emergency or death in
the family. Churches pay them as they should because “the workman is worthy of
his hire.”
However, do we honor
them? I’m not only talking extra pay for extra effort, although that would be
nice. Do we show them appreciation for all they do, both seen and unseen?
October is “Pastor Appreciation Month” according to the greeting card
department of the local Christian book store. You do not have to wait until
then to let your minister know how valued he or she is to the family of God.
When was the last time you sent a card or even shot an email to your pastor
thanking him for ministering to you? Do you let him know when his sermon helps
you to identify an area of your life that needs to brought under the Holy
Spirit’s control?
People are quick to
criticize pastors. We need to be just as quick to encourage them. Who pastors
the pastor? I’m off my soapbox now because I need to go send a few emails to
the pastoral staff at my church. I hope you will do the same.
Susie
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