“Don’t we pay him enough already?”    April 19, 2011    

            (I know it’s late.  We bought our son a car last night!)

            I hope you’re not one of those church members that begrudge the Pastor thinking, he gets a hefty salary for less than a full day of work.   If so, you only need to hang out with him for a few hours and you’ll appreciate the enormity of your Pastor’s job.  How would you like to be God’s 24 hours Customer Service Representative?

            Every Pastor will tell you their first and greatest need is prayer.   Tell him in particular when and what you are praying for him.   Try getting to church early and pray as a team for your Pastor and his family.   Don’t make him come to you, instead go out of your way to speak with him and ask about his needs.   He needs your compliments and defense from the gossipers. 

            Support your Pastor’s reading by enclosing gift cards to bookstores or magazine subscriptions, inside short handwritten notes.   (Pastors of large churches don’t have time for email, but will always read personal handwritten notes.)   Don’t forget dinner invitations, gift cards to his favorite restaurants, and free baby sitting opportunities.   Timeshares offers and other vacation opportunities provide essential time for R&R.   

            If you don’t have much money, give free professional services or technical skills to meet his needs.   Give him your business card with a hand written note offering complimentary services to Pastors.   Simple things like making sure his car gets washed, lawn gets mowed, and a hundred other services church members could offer might really bless him and make his family feel appreciated.    

            The Message Bible instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 to “honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience.   Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!”   Have a blessed day and Honor your Pastor!