Recently, I was asked to give a report to a brother that was teaching on the subject “Encouraging your pastor.” He asked me to list both the things that encourage and discourage a pastor. Here is what I said:
Things that encourage the pastor
- Faithful attendance
- Daily prayer, knowing the members are regularly praying for the pastor
- Helping others- when pastors see the people helping others without prompting, it is huge
- Periodic notes when a message or service blessed them- I still have a file with the “good notes”
- A gift card is very special once in a while
- Inviting the pastor and family over after the evening service for refreshments- just to relax
- When members bring visitors
- “How can I help you pastor?” is very encouraging, even if there is nothing at the moment
Things that discourage the pastor
- Strong opinions when the person giving them doesn’t do anything in the church
- Bringing problems right before the service
- Unwilling to deal with a problem with someone and turning to gossip
- Sending anonymous letters of criticism
- Consuming the time of the pastor after services when he wants to get to visitors (more annoying than discouraging)
- Coming for counseling when the person is unwilling to make the changes needed
- Sitting in the services with a grumpy attitude–this sticks out and eats at the pastor
Here’s an idea:
Copy this in your bulletin or in a bulletin insert. Since I wrote it, you can say, “Copied from Pastor to Pastor by Dr. David Little.”
