by Claudia SmithEvery Sunday morning Bro. Terry canvases the sanctuary offering greeting to each of us with a hand shake of welcome as well as offering the appropriate words of encouragement and cheer.
He is our pastor and taking care of this little flock is a big job. He goes from preaching a sermon, to acting as chief executive office, to moving man and maintenance man, to the bedside to pray for a sick church member and encourage their family, to removing the trash cans from the street on garbage day, as well as being aware of the spiritual concerns of our church, Often his hours are long, the pay is minimal, the criticism is undeserved. All in a days work when you pastor Beatrice Baptist Church. I wonder how he does it all especially when pastors are expected to be more like a CEO than a shepherd. I'm sure he must often experience feelings of disappointment and discouragement ..Beatrice Baptist Church undoubtedly is a unique challenge for a full time pastor. Not only does he do it all alone (of course with the help of the Lord) he does it without just recognition.
The letter from Paul to the church at Thessalonica admonishes us to respect our leaders who work hard among us to hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. I have been thinking of ways that we can show our appreciation and offer encouragement to Bro. Terry. I'd like to remind you of your Christian heritage and Southern upbringing, as well as a command from God, by offering the following suggestions:
l. Cut the criticism unlike most workers who are evaluated once or twice a year, pastors are often critiqued weekly after each worship service not only on content but length of the sermon. Bro. Terry studies and works hard to make worship a unique celebration every week.
2. Express your appreciation in writing a spoken compliment is always welcome, but a written one can be read over and over again for years. When you see or hear something that you like from Bro. Terry remember your Christian (and Southern) upbringing and write an appreciative note. The list of deserved compliments is endless, but too often the words never come. Be intentional, personal and specific.
3. Use your skill to bless All of us have unique skills and talents. That's what makes us the body of Christ. Use your skills and talents to bless Terry and his family. Is your talent flower arranging? Is it baking? Is it computers? Are you a dentist or doctor or lawyer? Your skills are a blessing from God and you should use them to bless those that minister to us.
4. Offer to meet a need , If you see a need or situation within the church offer to meet that need by saying, I'd like to help by _?. If you see an area that can be improved, take the responsibility for working on it.
5. Be openly responsive Nothing thrills and excites Bro. Terry or any spiritual leader more that seeing people respond to his preaching and teaching.Take to heart and put into action the things that you hear in his sermons and teachings.
6. Pray Regularly Ask God to shower Bro. Terry with an abundance of love, hope, joy, faith, peace, power, wisdom and courage. Pray for his spiritual maturity and growth in the faith. If you treat a person as he is, he will stay as he is; but if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be, he will become what he ought to be and could be.
7. Remember them on special occasions- Remember their birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions with cards and gifts such as gift certificates to a good restaurant, department store,the movies, the grocery store or gas station or car wash. A little extra spending cash is always appreciated.
8. Throw away the measuring stick a Pastors life isn't his own. He truly never has a day off. He is always on call. He can never have a bad mood let alone a bad day. He lives up to a higher standard no matter how high it is, it is still never high enough to please everyone. He and his family are always under the microscope. Remember not to expect more from them that you can produce yourself. How many of us would like to try and fill Bro. Terry's shoes. The calling of a pastor is a high and noble calling, but very costly. Think about that this next time you find fault with the way he lives.
9. Offer to share your blessings with him offer them your beach house for a week in the summer, invited Bro. Terry to hunt or fish with you, take Miriam and Maury on a shopping trip. Offer to pay Miriam's tuition. All of us in Beatrice have been so richly blessed. Share your blessings with them.
A Pastor who serves God and his people faithfully is worthy of double honor so the Bible says. We have a pastor that cares for us and our families and is there for us no matter what the need. He lays down his life daily for us and because of this he needs and deserves our prayers and encouragement. Everyday should be Pastor Appreciation Day but during the month of October we have a special opportunity to praise and encourage our Pastor. Please consider the above suggestions and possibly you have unique ideas of your own to show Terry, Miriam and Maury how much we need them, love them and appreciate their willingness to serve us at Beatrice Baptist Church.
The choir is sponsoring a Pastor Appreciation, Covered Dish Luncheon on Oct 19 following the Worship Service. The choir members will provide the turkey and dressing, tea and rolls. You are encouraged to bring the trimmings. Take advantage of this day and this opportunity to show your love and appreciation to Bro. Terry and his family by bring them cards and letters of appreciation. You may want to bring them a personal gift. You do what is in your heart to show them that you appreciate them. And remember hugs are always appreciated!
