These are just a few thoughts I want to leave with our FBCW church family. I meant to do this earlier but time got away from me. Thank you Tara for helping me verbalized my crazy, tired thoughts :) ~As most of you know, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Saying that being a pastor is a “job” is much like saying being a husband, wife or parent is a “job.” Pastors don’t get to clock out and leave their work at the office, and they rarely have a day off. Just because you don’t see them at the church doesn’t mean that their heart, mind and attention is anywhere but with their congregation. Not only that, but their entire family is expected to participate in their ministry. A “good pastor’s wife” is supposed to head up every hospitality committee, open her spotless home to visitors at a moment’s notice, and produce a gourmet meal that serves 25, even though she spent the entire day at the church helping to prepare for whatever event the church might be hosting the next day. Pastors’ children are expected to be model citizens, producing dozens of new members for the youth group, participating in every activity, and faithfully posting nothing but scriptures on their social media pages. Unfortunately, these unrealistic expectations take a toll on pastors and their families. According to most reputable studies, 90% of pastors work 50 or more hours each week, and 80% say that their work has a negative affect on their family. More than half of all pastors’ wives say that they have no close friends, and state that they feel unable to talk to anyone about the pressures of their position because they feel a responsibility not to “gossip” or betray confidences. You may think that these numbers couldn’t possibly apply to your own pastor. But let me ask you…how well do you really know your pastor and his family? Would you know if your pastor or someone in his family is having a difficult time? You cannot possible know how to truly appreciate your pastor if you have not taken the time to KNOW him and his family, their likes, dislikes, quirks and characters. For example, did you know that Jody likes chocolate pie, that saying au jus makes him crack up and that the more exhausted he gets the more he talks in goofy accents? Or perhaps you didn’t know that he will play board games, but if hes losing he will make up his own goofy version that has nothing to do with the games objective. Or maybe you would love to satisfy his craving for a good home cooked meal, but you didn’t know that you can’t feed him too much too late, because he has acid reflux that will keep him up all night. These may seem like trivial things, but your pastor needs to know that he has brothers and sisters who care enough about him to look out for him, even in the little things. Do you sometimes feel that he is too gruff or stern? Perhaps you were unaware that in that moment, his heart was in agony over a decision he has had to make, or that he has spent the week walking through a dark valley with a family facing a horrible loss or grief. He bears the weight of every one of your burdens, whether you are aware of it or not. And what about his family. Do you really know his wife? Did you know that Parri likes sushi, really good cupcakes, and that she sometimes gets a craving for chicken and grits? Did you know she likes frozen blueberries? Parri is the kind of person who, if you let her into your life, will care so much that she will literally hurt when you hurt. She prays constantly that God would keep her heart pure of gossip and drama, and yet she has at times found herself the target of both. She carries the burdens of every person in the church, her heart broken when the ones she loves turn and attack one another. When is the last time she was able to share her concerns and hurts with you? Or were you too busy expecting her to carry your burdens instead? And then there are those preacher’s kids. I’m sure you think you know Madison and Jacob, after all you have watched them grow up. But have you taken the time to truly know their hearts? Did you know that Jacob likes good coffee and knows how to cook a perfect steak over an open fire? Most of you probably know that he’s been in several MMA matches, but did you know that he’s not really a fighter? Surprised? Actually, this incredible young man is a true warrior – in both his physical and spiritual life. His goal is to conquer ALL. He gives his best in the ring, and then uses his influence to witness to everyone he comes in contact with, including his opponents. And then there’s Madi. You’ve heard her sing, right? But did you think to encourage her to keep using the gift that God has given her for music? At an age where most girls are only concerned about their own image and appearance, Madi has already experienced the grief of losing a friend because she wouldn’t compromise the truth. This beautiful young lady needs to know that her smile can light up a room, and that the fact that she has her mother’s tender, generous heart is a wonderful thing. Most of all, she needs to know that she is loved – not only by her family, but by the ones her family has given their all to serve. You may think you appreciate your pastor. God brought him to your church to take care of you, the congregation. But in so doing, God has entrusted you with this precious family. They gave up everything to answer His call – living close to family and friends, better paying jobs, carefree nights and weekends, privacy, and the list goes on. What have you given them in return? Have you taken the time to truly know them, so that you are able to bless them at every opportunity? Pastor appreciation is more than just a card once a year. It is a lifestyle, and one that I encourage you to pursue. You’ll find that when you do, your pastor will be even more ready to shoulder your burdens, meet your needs, and carry your heart to the Father’s.u
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 19:36:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015