Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I think we can honor our pastors best by being honest about what we should expect from them and what they should be able to expect from us.

1. Don’t expect them to be perfect. They are human, just like us.

2. Don’t expect them to have every spiritual gift. We need to know where our pastors are gifted and be prepared to supplement their gifts with our gifts. Ministry is a shared job.

3. Expect them to have a personal life. It’s unbelievable how intrusive we can be on the lives of our pastors. They know that it’s not a nine to five job; but please give your pastor some room to have a life.

4. Expect them to need encouragement. It’s okay to tell the pastor what’s right as well as what’s wrong. It’s okay to complement him on a good sermon or a special effort. We all need encouragement, even pastors.

5. Don’t expect the pastor’s spouse to be anything but the pastor’s spouse. A church hires a pastor not a dynamic duo. Most pastor’s wives are an extra benefit to their spouse’s congregation; but don’t expect them to do everything the pastor doesn’t have time, talent or energy for… that’s your job.

6. Expect to pray for your pastor. We expect our pastor to pray for us; can we expect to do any less for him?

7. Expect to pay your pastor. Most people seem to think that being a pastor is a ministry and a pastor shouldn’t expect a fair wage. In fact, a fair wage for a pastor is often considered to be less than the lowest paid church member. A pastor should not be distracted by financial burdens.

8. Expect to give your pastor time to grow. We expect deep thoughts and moving sermons from our pastors. They need time with God to produce those thoughts. Allow them plenty of time with God.

9. Expect to equip your pastor. Pastor’s need good staff and tools to do their jobs, just like everyone else. Don’t expect your pastor to do a first class job with second class staff or tools.

10. Expect to minister. It’s every Christian’s job to minister. The Pastor’s job is to facilitate that ministry; not to do everything himself. If you see something that needs to be done, do it.

Make sure your Pastor knows he’s appreciated not just this month but every month, not just by what you say, but by what you do.

Be blessed.

Nick

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