Titus 2 Christian HomeKeeper ™

The pastor’s life and ministry is full of joys and sorrows, highs and lows. Pastors are responsible to represent and teach the Word of God accurately. They lead, they comfort, they warn, they confront, they pray. Through births, marriages, and funerals, pastors stand beside those in their charge. Moreover, in most cases, pastors have their own families, their own trials, their own times of need. Sometimes it can be hard for us to remember that our pastor can become tired, discouraged and stressed just like anyone else.

In honor of October being “Pastor’s Appreciation Month”, I thought it appropriate to share ways in which we can help and encourage our pastors.

Galatians 6:6 states that “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 tells us, “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” God wants us to support our pastors and to be generous with them. God understands the pressures and stresses of this ministry and He wants us to “gather round” our leaders in support.

There are many things you can do for your pastor from the comfort of your own home. Pray for him. Pray for his spiritual walk. Pray for godly wisdom and discernment as he seeks to lead his church and his family. Pray that he would withstand the devil’s schemes and not give in to temptation. Pray for physical strength and freedom from illness. Pray for his family as they deal with the pressures and demands of being the pastor’s wife/children. Perhaps you could ask him if he has some specific prayer requests. Send a note of encouragement. Perhaps there was a particular sermon where God spoke to you and moved you into action. Maybe there was a time where you needed help or encouragement and he was there for you. Write a note and drop it in the mail or send him an email to share this with him. Or simply tell him that you are praying with him and standing with him in the ministry. Have your children write him a note or draw a special picture for him. Meet a need. You can provide a meal for your pastor and his family, thus giving them a night off from food preparations. Offer the skills of your family to him. If you grow vegetables, share with him. If your husband is a mechanic, perhaps he can offer free labor for times when the pastor’s car breaks down. I he is a plumber, he can offer those types of repairs. If you are good at cutting hair, you can offer that service. We all have skills that can be invaluable to our pastor. In saving him money we are providing him money and tax free too! Send a gift certificate. If you are financially able, send him and his family a gift certificate to a restaurant. Many times, these luxuries are impossible to our pastors. Or, if you cannot afford to send a gift certificate, offer free babysitting services so that the pastor and his wife can enjoy some time alone.

Be creative! There are so many things you can do for your pastor to encourage him and his family. When my husband was a pastor there were times when we were so deeply discouraged and someone would come alongside of us with encouragement, never knowing how discouraged we really were. On my husband’s worst days, a note would come in the mail or someone would stop by to offer help of some kind. I remember a time when we were in real financial trouble and a man from church stopped by with vegetables and meat from his farm. We wept with relief. This man had no idea that we were suffering financially. But God knew and he burdened this man’s heart and this man obeyed God’s call. Who knows the difference that you can make in your pastor’s life by offering the “good things” that God has placed in your hands to give. I hope you will follow the urgings that God has placed in your heart to stand with and for your pastor, not only on “Pastor Appreciation Month” but throughout the entire year.

Praise Him!

Karen Twombly

(You can reach Karen at karen@t2chk.org)