Oct 16, 2007

How to Fire Your Pastor

Years ago, I heard a sermon about how to fire your pastor. No, I’m not talking about firing your Pastor from his position. I’m talking about how to fire him up and let him know you are with him in the ministry of your church. It gives a pastor no greater joy to see the Lord’s converts walking in the Spirit. Here are some ways to fire your preacher:

1. Attend your church every time the doors are open. Sunday morning, Sunday school, evening services, Wednesday night prayer meeting, revival, special services, and church events are all meetings your Pastor schedules for the wellness of the flock. I remember when we were a young family living in North Dakota. My wife would bundle up our little babies and we went to church. Neither snow or sleet or rain... you get the idea.

2. Be on time to church—it shows you care. If you are late or don’t show up, it concerns the pastor. He knows when you’re not there. I know a couple in our church that phones the pastor if they are going to be late or would not be coming to church.

3. Highly esteem him for the work’s sake. Express great respect for your pastor. Call him by the proper title not "Pastor Paul" or "Brother Bill," but give him the respect he deserves. Most pastors I know like to be called, "Preacher" or "Pastor Lastname" or "Brother." If your pastor insists on a first name basis I wonder about his training and his call to the ministry. Familiarity can breed contempt. The office of pastor is a high calling and should not be downgraded to familiar terms. I knew my pastor for ten years before he was my pastor. I was on friendly and familiar ground. Our families fellowshipped together and we still vacation together. I still call him pastor or preacher.

4. Show enthusiasm at church and in the preaching. Be an encouragement by saying a loud, spirit-led “AMEN!” when the pastor makes a salient point in the message. Try not to distract with your amens, but do be a blessing. Say amen to the choir specials and special songs. Be an encouragement to your pastor!

5. Write your pastor little notes of encouragement. Let him know you are praying for him. Let him know you are thinking of him.

6. Be sensitive to your pastor's needs. If he needs something, try to supply it for him. I know people that are in trades who make sure the preacher’s needs are met in their particular fields. One man could do computer repairs and upgrades, another—carpentry, another—plumbing.

7. Remember special days in your pastor's life. His anniversary and birthday are both special days that should be remembered, as well as those of his family members. Have a special day for him. Surprise him!

8. Do good to the pastor’s children. Show them love and do not expect more out of the preacher's kids than you do from any one else’s. The same thing goes for his wife.

9. Protect your pastor from troublemakers in the church. Be on the watch for divisiveness and gossip. Do not criticize or find fault. Love covers a multitude of faults.

10. Let your pastor know about problems. He can help. In the multitude of counselors there is wisdom. Ladies, do not overburden your pastor with all the intimate details of your medical operation or marital problems. Be discreet. Pray about it, then speak. Do not approach the pastor right before he stands up to preach. Don't be a time hog or time waster. Be spirit-led.

11. The best way to fire your preacher is to live a Spirit-filled life. Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Now go on and fire your pastor! Your life will be blessed and enriched because of your burning desire to see your pastor fired up.

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