4 Things you should know about your Pastor

October is Pastor Appreciation month, so I thought I would blog about the hard work they do! It is helpful to keep in mind that a "pastor" is NOT necessarily a "preacher" or minister of the word. A pastor is known as an "overseer" or a "shepherd" of God's flock. He is someone who tends to the spiritual care of the believers in the local church. This could also refer to an "elder." I think this is a timely discussion for some of the current issues we are seeing in our culture today. It seems like every week, we hear of another pastor who has stepped down, stirred controversy, fallen away from the faith, or made an unpopular decision.

So here are some quick reminders . . .


1. Your Pastor is a sinner in need of God's grace. (Romans 3:23)

It's the classic American Superstar story. How many "celebrity" pastors have you seen lifted up on a pedestal only to make a shipwreck of his faith and a juicy story for the New York Times? We assume that the guy on stage must have it all together or he would not be leading the church. Yet at the core, he is pulling from the same well of Living Water as you. He needs God's grace, and he needs your prayers. In a healthy church, your pastor will be supported, encouraged, challenged, and held accountable by a team of elders, deacons, etc.



2. Your Pastor needs friends . . . but cannot be everyone's best friend. (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13)

With so many people to serve and tasks to complete, it can start to feel like being a pastor just means being "needed." It is possible that your Pastor may be "a mile wide and an inch deep." Everyone wants to pick his brain or shake his hand but very few people spend the needed time required to know him deeply. Leadership can feel lonely at times.

On the other hand, your pastor may feel overwhelmed by the amount of connections he has to make each week. One time I heard a church member complaining about their pastor because he had never had their family over for dinner. . .

Let's just stop and consider how long it would take to have every family in the church over for dinner.   (Assuming one family a week . . that could take years in some churches!). Your pastor needs best friends, but it's okay if you are not one of them. His personality does not have to click with yours for him to lead you faithfully in the fear of the Lord.



3. Your Pastor has an EXHAUSTING job (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

It only takes a mildly observant person to know that pastors do not only work on Sundays. Ministry in general is a 24/7 profession. Even a pastor setting healthy boundaries will still have days of feeling emotionally depleted and overwhelmed by the weight of human souls in his care. Advocate for your pastor to have regular periods of rest. Offer to babysit, send him on a date with his wife, or provide a meal.


4. Your Pastor needs your prayer  (James 3:1, Titus 1:6-7)

Leaders of the church are called to live above reproach. God will hold them accountable for the way they have guided his people. They are forced into the public eye and often bear the brunt of any complaints hurled in the general direction of the local church. Commit to faithfully and fervently praying for your pastor. Pray that God would protect him and his family, strengthen his character, give him a vision for the local church, keep him humble, and sanctify his heart.



"Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:12