Day 16 of the #31dbc! Still talking about Hope and Healing but taking a little bit of a side step to honor our pastors today!  It’s Pastor Appreciation Month and I just cannot let it pass without giving honor where it is due.

A good place to begin when we want to see what the Word of God tells us is a good role model for a Pastor, Elder, Bishop, or any appointed leader in the Church, is with the Apostle Paul’s teachings.

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect…hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour… Titus 1:1-3.

The Lord has manifested His Word through preaching.

He has revealed and established it through the anointed speaking of man. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15.  

Paul told them to ordain elders, or pastors, in every city. This would mean the establishing of churches as well! Then he went on to give the criteria for this man of God. Let’s look closely:

“…you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—  if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”  Titus 1:5-9 NKJV.

The position of pastor is not an easy one. It wasn’t in Paul’s day and it certainly isn’t today. I can speak from experience since I was a pastor’s wife for several years. We only resigned our church to go overseas and serve on the mission field, so I am well aware of the pressures, and the blessings, of pastoring.

A pastor, and his wife, are always on call, and are happy to be available to their congregation.

They love to serve, to give and to love. Many times they are awakened in the middle of the night to come to the hospital, the home of a church member, or even the scene of an accident.

Then there is the pastor’s wife and family. When a church hires the pastor, they are getting an entire package. This package is then invited to live in a glass house! They are never, ever without criticism.

The pastor’s wife is often overlooked but always “looked over”. Oh my, is she looked over! She is whispered about and gossiped about more than anyone in the church. She doesn’t mind being talked about herself, but she is weary of the criticism of her husband and children.

The events that she is required to attend and oversee are endless: bridal showers, baby showers, funerals and funeral dinners, weddings and rehearsal dinners, children’s ministry, youth ministry, all church events, some business meetings, small groups, choirs, music ministry, hosting missionaries and special speakers in her home, dinners, fundraisers, Vacation Bible Schools, and the list can go on and on…

Pastor’s wives are not complaining, these are labors of love for most of them if their church family is a place of refuge and safety. I pray it is so for your pastor’s wife.

In small churches pastors are asked to wear the hats of janitor, gardener, handyman, secretary, treasurer, greeter, song leader, maybe even piano player!

Recently there was a church that advertised for an opening for a Senior Pastor position:

“We want a Pastor who is well-organized, dynamic and youthful in outlook: one who is not afraid of innovative ideas or of risk taking; one who takes strength from and is strong in preaching and teaching the Word; one who is open and inventive, able to find new and different ways to worship God. Our Pastor will look for ways to develop consensus . . .”

Realizing, perhaps, that these characteristics sounded much like a description of Superman, the pulpit committee added a note at the bottom that read:

“The ability to walk on water would be nice, but is not required.”

The term pastor literally means “shepherd”. A shepherd is a rescuer, a protector and a caretaker of his flock. Sheep become lost so easily and need a shepherd to lead them home. The role of a pastor is to lead them to Jesus, to help them find their way to the Good Shepherd.  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NIV.

The Good Shepherd, and the pastor, protects his sheep. “He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3. He isn’t being nosey, he is concerned. When it seems he is preaching “at” you, or you think he has “read your mail”, have you considered that God has spoken to the man of God through the Word to protect you? A true shepherd of the flock guards and shields his flock from the things of the world that would cause them to stumble or fall.

He is also your caretaker, comforter and counselor. “…warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NKJV.

But remember he has a life. He has a family, a home, and chores that need to be done around his house too!

He would like to spend time with his family, take a day off now and then, and enjoy dinner without the phone ringing non-stop. (Emergencies are always welcome!)

We have a duty and responsibility to give back to our pastor, the shepherd of our souls. He will stand and give account for us! “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17.

A pastor is expected to be all things to all people at all times.

But remember he is only human. He cannot walk on water! They are striving to be the best they can be, love their congregation and help them find a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let’s not make it difficult for them to fulfill their role.

Since it is my blog, I get to brag on my pastor. (Insert Smile) I am thankful for my pastor and his wife, Pastor Ron and Cindy Hawkins of Turning Point Apostolic Church in Ellettsville, Indiana.

Even though we are close in age and I have known Pastor Hawkins almost my entire life, it has not hindered my respect for him as my pastor. He is a very meek and humble man of God who sincerely cares about the souls he has been given charge over. He has a desire to see his church thrive; not just survive.

Turning Point has the best pastor’s wife anywhere! She is funny, sweet, caring, and compassionate. She is one of those rare gems who, if she is carrying a mountain of stress, you would never know it. She doesn’t wear her feelings on her face. Oh, how I love that about her!

Thank you Pastor Ron and Cindy Hawkins for your sacrifice and devotion to the congregation of TPAC.

Now you all can feel free to comment about your pastor and pastor’s wife! I would love to hear your comments! And take time in the next couple of weeks to tell them personally how much you appreciate all they do for you and the church they pastor.

Make sure your church is doing something to show them honor at some point during the year. Pray for your pastor and his family. Love them and support them, God will honor you!

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:17.

Sharing with Whole Hearted Wednesdays, Works for Me Wednesdays, A Little R & R, Homemaking Party, Time Travel Thursday, Thriving Thursday, Hearts for Home, Proverbs 31 Thursdays, Friendship Friday

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