In this Year of the Pastor, local church elders around the world are seeking ways to make 1993 special for their spiritual leaders. They want to go beyond mere tokenism and sloganeering. Perhaps the following unofficial suggestions can spark some ideas:
Affirm your pastors
Being a pastor is tough in these tumultuous times. Caught between shrinking budgets and the rising demands of a world gone mad, many faithful pastors are struggling to survive their ministry. Further complicating the situation is the strident legalism or liberalism of those who at tack rather than support the church body. Elders need not applaud everything pas tors do, but they should try to keep dis agreements private. Never compare pas tors with their predecessors. Whatever their weaknesses, shower them and their families with expressions of love and affirmation. Quickly squelch any slander and gossip that you hear about your pas tors.
Forgive your pastors
In a high pressure role with a multitude of expectations, mistakes are inevitable. Even Spirit-filled leaders err, some times seriously. Peter, the preacher of Pentecost, compromised his convictions in Antioch, and so did noble Barnabas (see Gal. 2:11-13). Paul battled with Barnabas (see Acts 15:37-39). James gave bad advice to Paul that resulted in his arrest (see Acts 21:24.) In Old Testament times Moses blasphemously lost his temper (see Num. 20:10,11). Aaron came up with the golden calf (see Ex. 32:4). Even Abraham, the faithful one, disgraced his calling before Pharaoh and left Egypt in shame (see Gen. 12:18-20).
If patriarchs, prophets, and apostles erred, it should come as no surprise that leaders today can also fumble their faith. All of us exist only by the grace of God. The Bible says: "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not" (Lam. 3:22, NKJV). Share that mercy bestowed upon your personal life with your pastors where they also fall short.
Minister with your pastors
The work of pastoring is so wide-ranging that it is impossible for one per son to do it all. Besides the time and place limitations of finite humanity, nobody currently walking Planet Earth is omni-gifted. Therefore, pastors need a supporting cast. They are coordinators of minis try--and local lay elders are their righthand associates. So ask not what your pastor can do for you, but rather ask what you can do working with your pastor. Hospital and missing member visitation, phone calls to shut-ins, home Bible fellowships, personal evangelism, church administration, preaching when asked all of these are examples of invaluable services, performed by faithful elders around the world.
Sponsor your pastors
Your pastors can get so caught up in ministry that they never have a chance to sharpen, refresh, and expand their skills. Ask your pastors what seminars they may wish to attend in addition to what the conference may pay for. Suggest to fellow elders and board members that the church underwrite a visit to the Holy Land for the pastor and his family. All of you will be rewarded with fresh biblical insights in the sermons.
Equip your pastors
Pastors are professionals and you expect professional service, so provide them with professional tools. In addition to a powerful computer for the office, every pastor needs a personal portable computer, and the church should provide it. Stock it with Bible software and anything else they request. The machines will go with them everywhere, doubling their efficiency. Also provide abundant secretarial help, with volunteers if necessary. And make sure your church has a pastors' discretionary fund, with an envelope in the office full of cash from which they can help the needy, buy a little encouragement gift, take a missing member to lunch, and do anything else they see fit.
Pray for your pastors
The apostle Paul constantly rejoiced in the prayers of the churches he served, and so do pastors today. In summary, being a pastor in times like these is not like a day at the beach. Fundamentalist churches tend to be especially hard on their leaders. Make your church different, the one your pastors will always look back upon with fond memories. Affirm them, forgive them, minister with them, sponsor them, equip them, support them, and pray for them. God will richly bless you for it. One more thing. Photocopy this page and pass it around.
