1. If your pastor is NOT mechanical (MANY are not b/c they have devoted their lives to study and church work) - offer to help with any maintenance on family cars. For free!
2. Ask if your pastor is a handyman...again many are not b/c they have spent their lives specializing in the needs of others....not how to fix things. Organize a group to make repairs at his home that he feels need attention.
2. Congratulate, show appreciation, and give love!!!! Keep your eyes and ears open for ways to show love and concern!
3. Provide adequate paid vacation!!!!!!!!!! Most people get to "go home" and "away" from their job every day. Pastors never really leave their pressures at work.
4. Take your pastor fishing, golfing, sailing, etc.... -NOT to talk about the church or anything heavy - BUT just to PLAY!
5. NEVER SAY negative things about your pastor or the church in front of your family or others. Talk DIRECTLY to the pastor if you have concerns!!!
6. Care for your pastor's health! Provide adequate medical insurance! This is a must!
7. Respect your pastor's privacy and family time. Unless it is REALLY an emergency - don't call him at home in the evening.
8. Buy your pastor a deep freeze and stock it once a year!
9. Give your pastor's spouse freedom to be who they are. Don't expect them to fit into a "stereotype" of the "typical" pastor's wife....plays piano....leads the quilting group....sings....etc. :)
10. Remember that the pastor's children are this: CHILDREN! Don't expect more of them than you do other children!
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11. Let God use YOU to do something in the life of the church. One of the most discouraging things can be having a church full of pew sitters.
12. Make sure your pastor and spouse get to attend conferences to encourage and inspire them.
13. GIVE NEW IDEAS A CHANCE! "But we have always done it that way" are the eight most deflating words a creative pastor can hear!!!!!
14. Never compare your current pastor with a former pastor. It is unfair, bears no fruit, and stands a good chance of causing discord.
15. It is amazing how many people expect the church to be lit, air-conditioned or heated, have children's church with creative supplies, be able to get counseling from the pastor and a sermon, or two, or three every week..... yet they never invest ANYTHING into the church...or they give sporadically at best. Decide TODAY to be a faithful giver of your tithe to the church (10% of everything God blesses you with - you give back to God through your local church). Your church can not grow and flourish and provide the things you consider so important - without you doing YOUR part!
16. Form a prayer group that prays regularly for your pastor, his family, and the needs of the church that are heavy on his heart.
17. Ask your pastor often - "Pastor, how can I help you?" And mean it!
18. Write them a letter of how they have impacted your life. Don't just buy one of those "pastor appreciation" cards. Write specifics of what you appreciate about THEM. Pastors need affirmation too!
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