DaySpring, an online website where you can order faith-based cards and gifts, wrote an article titled, "A Real Day in the Life of a Pastor".
I want to share an excerpt from an article today, because a Pastor, no matter what church he pastors, needs these three things everyday, not just for the 31 days of October.
They posed this question to many of the Pastors that they know, "How can we best show our appreciation?" In every case, the following three points were mentioned:
They posed this question to many of the Pastors that they know, "How can we best show our appreciation?" In every case, the following three points were mentioned:
1. Be constant in prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:25 (MSG), Paul says, "Friends, keep up your prayers for us." Paul understood that even great men of God are human beings. Just like us, they sometimes find themselves weary, discouraged, confused, and vulnerable. Your pastor depends on your faithful prayers for him, his family, and his ministry.
2. Be faithful to encourage. If you think your pastor gets his or her encouragement from God, you are right. However, God often delivers that encouragement through our words and deeds. Proverbs 12:25 (KJV) says, "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." You can begin by taking your pastor's hand and delivering a heartfelt thank you. Keep your words simple and positive, filled with life. For example: "I learned something important from your sermon this morning. Thanks for all the time you spent preparing it.", "Thanks for your prayers. They are making a big difference in my life."
3. Be ready to lend a hand. Typically, the smaller the church, the more the pastor is asked to handle. Be ready to jump in and help. That might mean the physical upkeep of the building or helping with hospital calls and visits to shut-ins. You can also express your thankfulness through monetary gifts, babysitting, gifts certificates, or by delivering a nutritious, family meal. Running errands may not seem like much but in a pastor's harried day, it can mean a great deal. Keep your eyes and ears open and you will soon be aware of many ways to bless your pastor and lighten his load.
Your pastor is a gift to you from God, placed in your life to teach, encourage, challenge, strengthen, and keep you growing spiritually. Paul says it best in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (MSG): "Friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility or urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!" Like the Great Shepherd, they give their lives daily for those who have been given into their care. Jeremiah 3:15 (KJV) says, "I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."
What a gift, what a promise!
