Appreciate your Pastor

In anticipation of writing this article, over the last several weeks I have reached out to numerous pastor friends and asked them this question; how would you describe the ministry to those who have never done it? The responses have been strikingly similar across every denominational line. The general answer has been, “it’s hard, really hard.” I pressed a few guys for a fuller reply only to hear several say, “Brother Lewis, I don’t think there really is anyway to rightly describe the ministry to those who have never done it.” I don’t disagree with these men. Seriously, how do you describe to someone something they’ve never experienced and probably never will? For example, I would think only those who have faced the awful pain of losing a longtime spouse, or have endured the unimaginable trauma of losing a child would emphatically state – there is really no way to articulate what that excruciating experience is like. There are just some things in this life, you have to experience to truly understand. Ministry is sort of like that. You’d have to live it, to truly understand it.

Therefore, those men are correct. It’s really doubtful those of us who serve in church leadership roles could fully describe to the average Christian what ministry is like. That is, assuming church members ever wondered, and were willing to listen as we might futilely try to explain.

But can I try, at least? Can I try to share with you in just a few words what pastoral ministry is like and why it is fitting (and Biblical) for churches to honor (and reward) those elders who tirelessly serve you and your family?

Granted, I have not pastored as long as many other men. I did however, grow up as a preacher’s kid and observed first-hand what pastoral ministry is like. For the better part of 45 years, I have either been involved in ministry, or have been an eye-witness to it so I think I speak with some level of experience.

Every clergyman could share horrific tales of situations we’ve been unexpectedly drawn into, but I will spare you the battle stories, and simply say no amount of seminary can fully prepare someone for the weight of ministry.

The word “pastor” quite literally means a shepherd. A good pastor loves the sheep. All of them, even the stubborn ones. Frankly, sometimes, sheep bite. And when they do, it leaves scars. Sometimes God’s people act more like hard-headed goats, than docile sheep. Every single man who has pastored any length of time will tell you, when you pour yourself into wayward church members and hurting families only to watch them wander away … it hurts, deeply.

A pastor is never off duty, never off-the-clock. Often, though on vacation, pastors have to leave their family and return to church due to some need within the membership. Far more frequently than you’d imagine we get late-night phone calls and texts. The current ease of communication, especially smart phones, has made it such that those in ministry are expected to be available 24/7.

Pastors invest hours in counseling couples, all too often see them end their marriage in an ugly divorce. We mourn with families who are facing tragedy. We sit with folks who are at their lowest. We kneel by the bedside when saints are sick. We weep with dear friends when death comes. We stand at the graveside and do our feeble best to speak hope into broken-hearts. All that friends, takes a toll.

Further yet, beyond the demands of sermon preparation, pulpit work and the constant concerns within the assembly, pastors feel their own sense of inadequacy. We battle with our own sins. We struggle in our own marriages, and worry about our own children’s safety and future. We face financial woes and our own health problems.

If I was going to sum up what ministry is like, I would use a real-life experience. A few years ago, I was sitting in a dental chair, my mouth pried open as I was enduring a costly and painful root canal. The dental assistant knew I was a pastor and from the minute I sat down she told me about every issue she was facing in life. Though I was in considerable misery, this young lady poured out her every problem on me. I thought to myself, lady – right now I don’t really care about you and your troubles. But I couldn’t say that. Why? Because pastors live in a fish bowl and are always under scrutiny. So, I did my best to patiently endure and minister to her, even through my own pain. Such is ministry.

Thankfully, I am blessed to pastor some faithful, loving sheep. They’re not sinless sheep, but they love God and their pastor. For many years, the church has annually held “Pastor Appreciation Day.” This year our celebration falls on the first Sunday in September. Lord-willing, this Lord’s Day the church will have our normal worship service at 11:00AM, and then enjoy a time of food and fellowship together. You’re all invited.

This is just one way a church can express their gratitude to those elders who faithfully pour Gospel truth into the lives of the people on the pew. Traditionally, a Sunday in October is normally set aside as Clergy Appreciation Day. Of course, we at MHBC have to do things a little differently. However, it really doesn’t matter when or how, but a church should intentionally express their appreciation for those who watch over your soul. I want to ask you church member, does your church set aside a time to specifically express gratitude for those who minister to you and yours week after week? If not, you should. It is helpful, encouraging, but most of all it is Biblical.

1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” Sadly, too few churches actually set time aside to do this and they are robbing themselves of a blessing.

There are, of course, countless blessings to the ministry. First and foremost is witnessing God work in people’s lives. It a unique thrill to see the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ change lives and save souls. Furthermore, to know, the Lord uses our meager ministry efforts to make an eternal impact is incredibly humbling. Though it’s far from easy, I thank God for the privilege of pastoring.

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