Support Your Local Pastor (from the archive)

Despite an appearance of being a relaxed lifestyle, serving as a local church as a Pastor is not for the faint of heart. It not a ‘job,’ it is a calling, a way of life. Who is he is intrinsically woven into what he does. He deals with life and death on a daily basis, right alongside of balancing church budgets and keeping volunteers on board. He moves rapidly from emotional highs to lows as he shares life with his flock. Sorrow makes its way to his door constantly as he's usually the first person called at death, marriage difficulty, tragedy, or times of serious illness. He studies constantly so that when he stands before the congregation to preach he is not only ‘interesting,’ but able to speak into their souls. And, he must deliver this  message every Sunday -regardless of his personal circumstances. And, he loves every minute of this life to which God has called him!

Until... he's attacked often at a moment when he's struggling to cope with some need in his own life. It's at that moment that some pastors, tragically, give up their service. Tony Campolo describes one of those 'hits' that can knock a pastor off his feet. "Only a pastor truly knows what it feels like to have yet another person call to tell you they're leaving the church- a person you love, a person you helped and served, a person who needed you, a person you now feel you need, and yet another person is going, leaving, abandoning, rejecting. . . People go, and they take a chunk of your heart with them. And of your morale." -Adventures in Missing the Point

So, how can you maximize your Pastor's effectiveness in your church and in your life?

1. Pray for him, everyday.
Spiritual leaders are front-line targets in the battle that the Devil wages in this world against the work of God. We all know the devastation left behind when there is a moral failure in ministry. Even where there is no moral compromise, like all people, pastors become discouraged or disillusioned. Pray for your Pastor - that God will keep and protect him, that he will be disciplined and courageous, and that he will finish the race well.

2. Accept him and the spiritual gifts God has given to him.
Pastors are not all equally adept at all kinds of ministry service. Appreciate the unique strengths of your Pastor and encourage him in those areas where he is not as proficient. He probably knows the gaps in his skills and gifts better than you do, but it will squander his strengths if those in the Body constantly press him to 'fix' those areas rather than focusing on what he can do best in God's service.

3. If you must criticize him, (and no pastor is above correction or criticism) do it honestly and directly.
He cannot respond to anonymous criticism because he has no context for it. He wonders, "Does it mean that a majority feels this way, or is this just the opinion of the same two people who are never satisfied with anything I do?" If you have an issue with your pastor, make a time to sit with him and tell him what you want, where you think he's missed the mark. He may not share your perception. He may have an explanation for the decision with which you disagree. Realize, too, that many get angry with their Pastor because they are angry with God! He can help you with your doubt or confusion when you don't understand why life is turning out a certain way, but it will be doubly difficult if you're attacking him.

4. Don't idolize or idealize him.
You should expect him to live what he teaches, but not perfectly. He is a sinner, too; and, like you, he is working out his salvation each day. If you make him into idol, you sin because only God is worthy of your worship and devotion. If you idealize him, thinking he's more or better than he is really is, you will be disappointed. When you put him on a pedestal, remember that you make his ability to minister to you all the more difficult. He teaches you best, not from some lofty place far removed, but as you watch him live a real life that demonstrates a living faith in a loving Lord.

Here is a word from the Word. "Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all.... Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?" (Hebrews 13:7, 17 The Message)

"Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” Do not listen to complaints against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to accuse him." (1 Timothy 5:17-19, NLT)