It’s that time of year – pumpkin spice, falling leaves, flannel shirts, and something called, “Pastor Appreciation Month.” PAM is not a Hallmark holiday but an initiative of Focus on the Family from the 1990s. I suppose it has some biblical warrant (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13), so here are some ways to encourage your pastors. Level one requires the least effort and the least cost. Those increase with each level. The list is not all inclusive but will encourage any and all pastors.
LEVEL ONE
Arrive before 9:34 for 9:30 Sunday morning worship.
Fill the seats in the front of the auditorium near the platform and pulpit.
Read the church bulletin, put events on your calendar, and don’t be surprised when they occur.
Follow along in your Bible when he reads it.
Leave your phone in your pocket, your bag, or in your car.
LEVEL TWO
Sing our songs during congregational singing.
Stay awake when he’s preaching.
Greet guests before worship begins (see number 1 in Level One for the prerequisite).
Answer his call to participate in church-wide prayer meetings.
Guard Lord’s Table and Believer Baptism services so that few outside events prevent your participation.
LEVEL THREE
Consistently practice some form of family worship in your home.
When he asks you to serve in a specific area, do everything you can to say, “Yes.” He’s likely thought long about you and your abilities and wants to help you succeed in the area he requests.
Initiate before he asks. Most pastors love initiative in the church family and will gladly welcome the resourcefulness.
Practice the “One Another” statements away from the weekly gatherings of the church.
Pray daily for him, especially on Sundays when his flesh rises up and Satan takes shots at him.
LEVEL FOUR
Know the name of every adult member in our church.
When you talk with him about your future, tell him how that future will strengthen the church.
Ask him to connect you with a younger Christian you can disciple.
Be the supply for whatever is lacking in the church.
Evangelize.
As always, thanks for reading, and I welcome your feedback and any suggestions you might have for an upcoming Lunchtime Musing.