Appreciating Your Pastor

I used to ask God to help me.
Then I asked if I might help Him.
I ended up by asking Him
to do his work through me.
James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
English missionary and founder
of China Inland Mission

The month of October is recognized as Pastor Appreciation Month.  The dictionary tells us, to appreciate means:  to understand the worth or importance of something or someone; to admire and value; to be grateful for something.   

I can tell you that I appreciate my pastor very much.  You see… my pastor, is also my husband Bill.  Along with my husband, I share in his ministry at a beautiful old church, nestled on a hill, in a small fishing village on the coast of Maine. 

Being a pastor is a labor of love – love for the Lord and His people.  There is a lot of behind the scenes things a pastor does that his congregation never sees, nor is he able to share with them.   I’m sure you realize, it’s more than just a Sunday morning message.
 

Bill's grandmother always prayed
he'd be a pastor.  Here he is as a boy. 

Pastor Bill posing with a Moose.

I asked my husband, specifically what the desire of his heart was for his congregation.  He said there were two things –

1.     Make God a priority over anything else!

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25

Your church attendance not only will benefit you by helping you grow spiritually, but it encourages your pastor, and lifts up the rest of your church family.   

2.     That the people would have a desire to grow spiritually by reading/studying their bibles, and praying. 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!
2 Peter 3:18

No matter where we are in our spiritual walk, there is always room for growth.  I call my husband “The Bible Answer Man”.  There is no one I know personally, who knows more about the Bible than him.  He will however, be the first to tell you that he’s always learning.

Please don't take your pastor for granted, he needs encouragement as some days are particularly hard for him.  There is a lot he holds in and keeps between himself and God. 

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.  1 Timothy 5:17

Pray for your pastor and his family

What are some ways you can encourage your pastor?

• Praying for him and his family and letting him know that you do

• A simple note of appreciation when a particular message spoke to you.

• Ask questions about the bible or his message, it shows him you are interested.

• Helping when you see a need within your church or otherwise

• Vegetables from your garden.

• A food item that you enjoy making

• Being faithful in your church attendance

• Visiting the older people in your congregation

Pastor Bill's favorite pie, Lemon Meringue
Fresh from famous Moody's Diner, Waldoboro Maine

If you are a Pastor’s wife or the wife of someone in ministry – here are some suggestions I have learned for supporting my husband.

• Praying for him, praying with him

• Respecting his study time by not interrupting

• Keep peace in your home (especially Saturday evening and Sunday morning)

• Give him a good breakfast Sunday morning

• Be his helpmate, ask him what can do to help

• Be his biggest supporter and cheerleader

• Talk to him about his message, ask questions, give feedback, show you were listening

• Respect his hobbies and need for personal down time

This is my husband’s prayer for his congregation:  And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11

What are some ways you encourage your pastor?  If you are a pastor’s wife, what are some ways you show support for your husband?

I'll close with this graphic I made using Bill's life verse, along with a picturesque scene just down the road from us.  

Free for personal use or sharing.

Note:  This was previously posted.  I brought it out of the archives with some new pictures and a few changes.  Thanks so much for visiting today. 

Linked to:  Hearts for Home, Fellowship Fridays,