HOW TO FIRE YOUR PASTOR
Someone has cataloged the qualifications of a pastor as follows:
“The strength of an ox,
The tenacity of a bulldog,
The daring of a lion,
The patience of a donkey,
The industry of a beaver,
The versatility of a chameleon,
The vision of an eagle,
The meekness of a lamb,
The hide of a rhinoceros,
The disposition of an angel,
The resignation of a leper,
The loyalty of an apostle,
The heroism of a martyr,
The discernment of a prophet,
The tenderness of a shepherd,
The fervency of an evangelist,
The devotion of a mother,
And the willingness to live on the income of a canary.”
Sir Isaac Newton stated, “The Christian ministry is the worst of all trades, but the best of all professions.” Every pastor strives to keep “the fire” of his calling alive. Here are some tips to aid him (or her) in doing so.
Pray for your pastor diligently. D. L. Moody was in the midst of a most successful ministry when two saintly ladies kept praying that he might have a renewed commission – and he did!
Be a part of the construction crew, and not the wrecking crew. Speak well of him. Judgmental criticism can melt the heart of any pastor. Remember, more pastors have died from broken hearts than from a swelled head.
Be faithful, loyal, and supportive in attendance and finances, and to the vision God has given to your church.
Take care of him and his family financially. Not only does he have the financial burden of the church to be concerned about, but his personal finances as well. So, give him an increase, even if it means taking a step of faith to do so. Paul declared your pastor is to “be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” “Double honor” means “well paid” (1 Timothy 5:17).
Honor and respect his wife and family.
Love him with a sincere love, and let him be human. Every pastor has clay feet.
Encourage him with deeds and words of kindness concerning his preaching/teaching, leadership, example, etc.
D. L. Moody reminded us, “The best way to revive the church is to build a fire in the pulpit.”
Dave Arnold, Pastor, Gulf Coast Worship Center, New Port Richey, Florida
www.davidarnoldonline.org
3 comments:
I'm fired up!
Excellent words. Thanks for the good post.
There will be those in the church who will contend against the pastor. Satan has his ministers in the church. And that's the way it is. They can be on the board, even in the eldership.
Dealing with these people is difficult. They are usually very bold, and hate authority, but take what they want from the Scriptures, and try and use it with their own human agenda for the church.
As an elder, I would go to the board meetings of my church. During Christmas they were discussing the pastor being blessed with a nice gift, or bonus. The board actually said, he doesn't seserve a bonus.
My heart sunk. We had a fine pastor, and he was deserving of our best possible blessing.
i shared with board the same Scripture you have here about double honor. But to no avail.
I said, "You want to long to be as generous as you can for our pastor, and this is pleasing in the sight of God. If the funds are not there, then fine. But how generous can you be? this should be our joyful desire.'
Nobody heard it I guess, and he received nothing. they were going to take another collection for him, but Greg said, "No, I don't want to burden the church."
Church is messy.
I wish a post like this would grip every congregants heart. And for the majority, thank God, it does. But there will be contention.
You can count on it.
interesting, you seem to fit in there.
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