Garbage Days & Pastor’s Ways

When my sister was young - maybe 4 or so, I remember her telling me once that she wanted to be a garbage man(person) when she grew up. When I asked her why, she said it was because then she would only have to work one day a week. This, of course, brought about some laughter before explaining that even though they come to our house to take the trash only once a week, that isn't the only day that the garbage men work. Though, it is easy to understand where the idea came to her.

Thinking back on this moment, I wonder, how often is the same thought about our Pastors? How often are they thought to have a one-day "job". Sunday morning, you go out, and it is their job to bring the Word and pray, and help you clean yourself up. You worship, you listen, you pray,  and then go home, not really thinking much about them until you return the next week and start all over again. It becomes a way of life, just like taking the trash out for pickup.

But the reality is, Sunday mornings are barely touching the tip of the iceberg for Pastors. There is more to what they do and who they are than what you see going on in a service. October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I really hope that we show our pastors the appreciation, and the honor they are due, not only during the Sunday your church celebrates, or during this month that we designate for it, but all through the year.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Paul writes, "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." 

I was so incredibly blessed to have been brought to the church home where I am. Having spent more than half of my life there, I've been through many seasons of change and growth - not only for myself, but the church as a whole (pastor included). We're a there family. We grow together.

“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15

Over the years, I have learned so much from my leaders, not only by the way they taught, but by the example they lived out day after day. I had the privilege of being raised in a ministry empowered by Holy Spirit. I was raised under a ministry with leaders who prayed, and worshiped, and who were not afraid to humble themselves before the Lord.

I was raised in a place where miracles were expected. Healing, deliverance, freedom, salvation, the gospel - I was raised in a place where these things were as normal and expected as it is that the sun will rise again, and I am so thankful for that leadership. Leadership that served their congregation, in prayer and in practice, empowered by Holy Spirit. Leadership, that raised up leaders to do the same.

Now, my church is not perfect, and neither is the pastor or leadership. But there has been such a grace over this little place all these years. I believe that part of that grace and growth was found in the congregation's response to the way the pastors served and led with humility and love. This response was to give honor where honor was due, to uphold the leadership in constant prayer, serving together.

You may be a pastor or leader in your church: We don't always see what goes on those other days of the week. We don't hear all the prayers raised on our behalf, or see places you go or people you see. We don't often know about those nights when you wake up to an emergency and go to a hospital or home to comfort a congregant or their family in a time of loss or need. We don't see the tears that fall, or feel the ache of the burden that you carry. We thank you, and we appreciate you, and we honor you for the way you live out the gospel.

You may not be a pastor, you may be like myself and sitting in a pew watching and listening faithfully each Sunday. Remember, Pastors are people too. There is so much more that we do not see. Please, hold your pastors and leaders and their families in your daily prayers. Serve together with them. Show them the love and honor due to them.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”  Hebrews 13:17