TOGETHER:
How do we love our pastor? Let's count the ways
___Twenty years of pastoral ministry in the same church provide a rare opportunity to celebrate God's blessings. Many studies show that long pastoral tenure is one of the factors most often found in growing, healthy churches.
___You can imagine how happy Rosemary and I were to be asked to participate in Ron Lyles' 20th anniversary at South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena. Ron and Brenda, along
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CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
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with their four children, have made a meaningful and lasting impression for God upon the people of Pasadena.
___What would you say to a church and pastor on such an occasion? I asked, "How can a church show love and appreciation to its pastor?"
___ A church can pay its minister well.
___True ministers don't do the work of God in order to make money. They do not "peddle the word of God for profit" (2 Corinthians 2:17). But the Bible is clear that those who "direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17). A church should pay its pastor and staff the very best it can.
___ A church can say, "Thank you," to those who serve their church and community.
___Some folks seem to begrudge the time it takes to say a word of deep appreciation. Some hesitate to acknowledge the work that those who serve the Lord and his people have done among them. Thankfully, these people are much fewer than those who want to show honor and express profound gratitude to their minister. It is always right to say, "Thank you."
___If you doubt that it is right to take time to express appreciation and acknowledge those who have played a significant part in the life of the church, take a moment to read Romans 16. Paul fills a chapter with names. There are sections of the Bible where whole pages are given to listing names. God enjoys his children taking time to honor one another.
___ A church can commit to lives of faithful service and growing likeness to Christ.
___That is the best thing any church can give its pastor.
___No anniversary gift or recognition can mean more to a minister than to see people determined to be the presence of Christ in the world.
___Paul was forced to defend the authenticity of his calling as an apostle. He asked if he needed letters of recommendation. Then he answered his own question, "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody" (2 Corinthians 3:2).
___And what is it about Jesus that makes it so important that we grow to be like him?
___ He loved God, and he was determined to obey God's voice. He loved people, and he was determined to listen to them. Jesus knew how to pay attention--to the Father and to the people.
___He listened. And then he moved in harmony with God and in ministry to people. We can do that.
___ And when we do, we become true letters of the heart, recommendations for our church and our pastor. That means more to a minister than any other thing that a church can do.
___Find ways to show honor. But most of all, ask God to help you grow to be like Jesus.
___We are loved.
___
The Baptist Standard
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
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