Three preachers were having lunch at the local diner, when one said, “You know, I’m having a lot of trouble with bats in the church attic. I’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to scare them off.”
The second said, “We’re having trouble, too. I’ve had hundreds living in my belfry. I even had the place fumigated, but I can’t get rid of them.”
The third said, “We’ve had lots of bats, also, at our place, but I found the solution. I baptized all of mine, made them church members, and they all disappeared. I haven’t seen a one since they joined.”
Ministry is filled with joys and frustrations. On any given Sunday, when your pastor stands to preach, he could be either fired up or “give out.” You never know what he’s been dealing with behind the scenes.
His week might have been filled with occasions of joy: celebrating the birth of a baby, sharing in the success of a spiritual breakthrough, or leading someone to faith in Christ. Or his week might have been one of conflict, distress, and heartache.
Yet, week after week, he is faithfully serving, loving, visiting, preparing messages, leading, resolving conflict, and being the undershepherd where God has placed him. It’s not always easy being a pastor. One study indicated that only one in ten pastors make it to retirement without dropping out.
Several years ago, Fuller Institute of Church Growth reported:
• Eighty percent believe that pastoral ministry is affecting their family negatively.
• Thirty-three percent say that being in the ministry is clearly a hazard to their family.
• Seventy-five percent have reported a significant crisis due to stress at least once every five years in their ministry.
• Fifty percent feel unable to meet the demands of the job.
• Ninety percent feel they were not adequately trained to cope with the ministry demands placed upon them.
• Forty percent report having a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.
• Seventy percent have a lower self-image since they have pastored than when they started.
We need to remember that pastors are people, too, and they carry heavy burdens and awesome responsibilities. That’s why they need support, friendship, encouragement and committed church members to work alongside them.
During this “Pastor Appreciation Month,” one of the greatest gifts you can give is serious prayer. Do you really pray for your pastor? And his family?
I’ve seen several prayer guides through the years, but I want to share a seven day prayer guide for your pastor that I’ve adapted from material published by the North American Mission Board (www.namb.net). You can personalize it to your pastor.
Sunday – Pray for your pastor’s preaching. He has the awesome responsibility to stand in the pulpit and break the bread of life. Pray that he’ll be free to preach as God leads.
Monday – Pray for your pastor’s passion for God. Pray that your pastor’s spiritual life will also be nurtured as he strives to help you nurture yours.
Tuesday – Pray for your pastor’s preparation time. Tuesday is my prime study time. You can pray that your pastor’s time is protected and productive.
Wednesday – Pray for your pastor’s personal life. Pray for his wife and children and home life. Pray for quality and quantity time with his family.
Thursday – Pray for your pastor’s purity. Pray that he’ll have clean hands and a clean heart. Remember that the pastor is human and is tempted just as you are.
Friday – Pray for your pastor’s pastoral ministry. Pray for him to have the heart of a shepherd and the insight to know where and with whom he needs to put his energies. He wants to tend the flock, but he can’t be everywhere at once.
Saturday – Pray for your pastor’s priority on personal evangelism. Pray that he can build relationships with the unchurched and can share the gospel with those who need Jesus.
On one occasion, the great London preacher Spurgeon was asked about his great success in the pastorate. His reply? “My people pray for me.”
Do you pray for your pastor?
———-
[Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church, Fayetteville, Georgia. The church gathers at 352 McDonough Road, just past the department of drivers’ services, and invites you to join them for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. Visit them on the web at www.mcdonoughroad.org and “like” them on Facebook.]
