Appreciating Your Clergy

October 16, 2000

A pastor's life is not easy, being on call 24 hours a day. In the event of a crisis, the pastor is the first one called. Just the presence of the pastor brings comfort to the hurting soul who has experienced a great loss.

Your minister's life is sometimes sacrificed for someone's need at the time. A call for help might come just as his children's activities are beginning at school, or a vacation is put on hold, because your pastor is sorely needed at a particular time.

Our pastors need our support. Every Sunday they preach their innermost heartfelt sermons. Your presence lends support and makes the pastor feel that the position of pastor is important!

In Exodus 17:11-13, the importance of "lifting" up helping hands to help spiritual leaders is emphasized: "As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up...one on one side, one on the other side...so that his hands remained steady till sunset." (NIV) Moses needed physical support, and so do our pastors today.

Pastors need our spiritual support as well. Praying for pastors is vital. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone prayed for every pastor in town, especially on Sunday?

In Luke 22:46, Jesus knew the terrible agony of the crucifixion awaiting him. He was to sacrifice His life for our sins. He had asked the disciples to watch and pray while He went apart to pray, yet Jesus found the disciples sleeping. Let us not be found sleeping when it comes to praying for our pastors. Pray for them and let them know you are lifting them up in prayer.

Attend church. An empty pew speaks volumes. Say "thank you" often. Pastors are often criticized, but rarely encouraged. A letter of appreciation can make their day. Invite your pastor and his family out to eat or for a meal in your home.

Remember the pastor and his family on special days and holidays. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, we are told: "Dear brothers, honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you. And remember, no quarreling among yourselves." (TLB)

During this football season, every Sunday fans will be cheering on their team. I say, "LET'S BE CHEERLEADERS FOR OUR PASTORS!" They make "touchdowns" every Sunday and I just love to be on the winning team, don't you?