As Pastors serve their community, they and their families are constantly under the spotlight and are susceptible to misunderstandings and criticisms.
By Julie Teo
A High Calling
It is an honor to serve God in the highest of calls. Being a Pastor is one of the most demanding and stressful jobs in the world. Their work is intense and challenging. Hours are long and erratic.
A Pastor’s vulnerability
Pastors juggle multiple roles. They serve church members, are spiritual leaders, counsellors, teachers, prayer warriors, and managers. They give of their best to accomplish the demands of ministry. Invariably, Pastors might be misunderstood and criticized. Conflict and disagreements sometimes arise. The enemy uses these to discourage them. They try to live up to the expectations of their spiritual maturity but the weight of ministry and its demands may take a toll on their body, mind, and spirit. Pastors might be afraid to share their heart, lest they be misunderstood.
Some get burned out and others may even walk away from their calling. When they “fall short”, we feel let down and disillusioned. This is after all the man of God whom we thought lived an almost perfect life. We are quick to criticize but slow to give appreciation when a Pastor has done well. For the many Pastors who stood steadfast to their calling, how have we shown our appreciation?
Pastor’s Family
The Pastor’s family is not spared either. Their spouse and children live under constant scrutiny and the pressure to be “perfect”. All it takes is one mistake and they are judged unmercifully.
The Pastor’s children are expected to be God-fearing and never up to any mischief. The Pastor’s spouse is no different. The unsung hero who is often overlooked. They may not hold any official title but certainly share in the responsibilities. They support and encourage their spouse and stand by them when the ministry is tough. Who do they turn to when they are emotionally drained? May we remember them and appreciate them just as we do to our Pastors.
Pastor Appreciation
Paul encourages us to remember and honor our Pastors.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 “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.”
Pastors serve selflessly so that we grow in the Lord to fulfil our destiny and kingdom purpose. They may not provide us with the answers we want to hear all the time; but as they labor over us, let’s honor them as the Word of God tells us to.
Let us love and honor them. October is Honor Pastors’ Month, if you haven’t shown any appreciation to your Pastors from time to time, now is a good time to do so!
Here are tangible ways you can show your appreciation.
Bless them with a handwritten note
Give them a bouquet of flowers or a basket of fruits
Indulge them in a home-cooked dessert
Give them a shout-out on social media
Gift them health foods or supplements
Arrange a session of manicure/pedicure or a facial/massage
Buy tickets for their family to watch a show or event
Treat them and their family with their favorite food
Give them something that you know they need
Buy something for their spouse or children
Go ahead, show your Pastors that they are appreciated. It’ll warm their hearts and encourage them tremendously.
Reflect & Respond
Have you been quick to criticize and judge your Pastors and their families? How can you love and honor them?
Send in your words of appreciation to our Pastors! Check out our Honor Pastors’ Month 2021 Padlet at: www.bit.ly/Trinity_HPM21
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