We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
In my article this month, I want to give you some “creative” or “other” ways to let your Pastor and staff know that you truly appreciate them in October and beyond. These are things that you can do on a regular basis to help your pastor maintain his spiritual, mental and emotional strength as he serves you.
PRAY for your Pastor, Staff, & their Families
Obvious, right? I hope so, but I want to remind you anyway. I’m aware that there are many jobs that are tough and difficult and most people work hard. We know that. But there is a special weight, a spiritual burden, that accompanies shepherding. And as a PK (preachers kid) turned preacher and PK Dad, it is a family affair. Please pray for them.
SERVE with your Pastor & Staff
Don’t wait for them to come and beg you. Just show up to church and offer to serve with them and help them. Be a Champion Leader for a ministry that they are doing. Get behind them in full support.
PROTECT your Pastor and Staff
PROTECT their respect. As far as it is up to you, hold your pastor and staff in high esteem. Speak highly of them, especially in front of your children. Resist the urge to criticize or serve that special “roast” at Sunday lunch. If there is an issue or problem, and that happens, honor the Lord and handle it with them in person as the Scripture commands.
PROTECT them as they enter a service. Don’t drop a problem or bomb on them as the service is starting, spare them the distraction until after they have shared a message.
PROTECT them by doing all you can to protect their family time and hold them accountable to observe a Sabbath. The Lord has told us all to do that so let’s practice it and make sure your staff is practicing it as well.
Take Notes & Share “Why” the Sermon was good
Here’s a fun one that you can do every week. Take notes during that sermon that your Pastor has worked diligently on through the week. And don’t just say, “Good message,” rather say something like, “That eighth point really spoke to me.” Or, “God really spoke to me through the way you explained those verses this morning.” One of my most cherished compliments was always, “I finally understand that passage after all these years!”