Pastors have a high and difficult calling.
There are few things that boil my blood faster or put me on a soap box quicker than when I hear God’s people hurling mean-spirited or spiteful comments at God-loving, servant-hearted pastors.
It gets ugly when the sheep turn on their shepherds.
And Satan, along with the world, watches. Smiling.
I love intentionally encouraging my pastors. When I see them at some evening function during the week ― whether it’s Bible class, a ministry event, or worship team rehearsal ― I’m fully aware that they may have faced a particularly tough day. Chances are the enemy has lobbed some fiery darts at them, whether it’s tough counseling sessions, disheartening church politics, or the death of a member.
They also have those joy-filled days when they perform baptisms, weddings, and celebrate confirmands. But those days happen far less than the rest.
It’s a privilege to convey to my pastors and pastor friends just how important they are to God’s work and His church ― to let these grace-filled men of courageous faith know how much they, their families, and their ministries mean to so many. But I end up getting chokey.
So … to my pastors, all my pastor friends, and your beautiful families:
You embrace the calling that crucifies you every day. Yet sometimes we are the ones pounding in the nails.
Please forgive us.
You take up the cross of Christ without hesitation, not because it’s a job, but because it’s your very calling, passion and life purpose. Yet sometimes we watch from comfortable pews without lifting a finger as you stumble under the weight of that responsibility alone.
Please forgive us.
You love us enough to sacrifice family time, cut short vacations, and be on call 24-7-365. Yet when you need to unplug and allow God to recharge you, we haughtily demand that you re-engage and make yourself available.
Please forgive us.
When life blindsides us with loss, relationship difficulties, health scares, or financial burdens, you are the first to offer prayer and call in the posse to help. Yet when you need us, we wear busyness as a badge to dodge.
Please forgive us.
You willingly live in a glass house with our faces pressed against it, gracefully shouldering our smart aleck remarks. Yet when you lovingly ask us accountability questions, our self-righteous indignation could choke God Almighty.
Please forgive us.
But I want to you know…
You are not expendable.
You are VITAL.
You are VALUABLE.
You are LOVED.
As you stand at the vanguard of deadly spiritual warfare, it’s an amazing privilege to stand in God’s army with you. To heartily encourage you when you’re weary. And to follow where God calls you to lead.
THANK YOU for your integrity and tireless commitment.
Church, when was the last time you prayed for your pastors?
C’mon, let’s encourage our pastors today.
Wonderfully written Donna! I didn’t know how true until September 2011 when I started working for a pastor. I think that most are the hardest working people I know. Most of the time there work is done thanklessly. Thank you !
Lisa, thank you for your valuable inside perspective and heart for our pastors!
Beautifully written Donna! It was a much needed reminder to pray for and encourage all of our pastors. Thank you.
Thank you, Debbie. Praying and encouraging our pastors is so important! I know you join me in that sentiment.
Amazing words, my friend! Thank you for the reminder!
Thank you, Janetta. It’s a reminder to myself, as well!
That was such a great piece. And you have such an inviting blog full of words of encouragement. Keep inspiring and pointing people to the Savior. Blessings.
Thank you, Keith. God’s blessings!