During this "Clergy Appreciation

Month," let's remember one more time that our ministers are human.

They are imperfect persons with good hearts and g ood

intentions, but aren't always going to meet every member's expectations.

A cartoon I saw recently pictured

this ministerial dilemma perfectly. The secretary had opened a gift box,

pulled out the present, and

announced to the minister: "Your new outfit has arrived." The

outfit had an "S"

on the front and a cape attached to the back. Unfortunately, no minister

I know is a "superman."

This "Church Employees

Job Descriptions" document was written "tongue in cheek,"

but certainly illustrates the stressful expectations that ministers sometimes

face:

Pastor -

Able to leap short buildings

in a single bound;

Is more powerful than a locomotive;

Is faster than a speeding bullet;

Walks on water and gives policies

to God.

Associate Pastor -

Is able to leap short buildings

in a single bound;

Is as powerful as a switch

engine;

Is just as fast as a speeding

bullet;

Walks on water if the sea is

calm;

Talks with God.

Education Minister -

Leaps short buildings with

a running start;

Is almost as powerful as a

switch engine;

Is faster than a speeding BB;

Walks on water if he knows

where the stumps are;

Talks with God if special request

is approved.

Music Minister -

Clears a small hut;

Loses race with a locomotive;

Can fire a speeding bullet;

Swims well;

Is occasionally addressed by

God.

Youth Minister -

Runs into small buildings;

Recognizes locomotives, two

out of three times;

Used a squirt gun in college;

Knows how to use the water

fountain;

Mumbles to himself.

Church Secretary -

Lifts buildings to walk under

them;

Kicks locomotives off the track;

Catches speeding bullets in

her teeth;

Freezes water with a single

glance;

Even when God speaks, she says,

"May I ask Who is calling?"

While you may expect some things

from your pastor, you also owe him some things. First, help him. Do your

part to help the church move forward and run effectively. Second, hear

him out. He's the spiritual leader. He's not the only leader, but do give

him the freedom to lead. Third, hug him. Let him know you love him and

his family. Fourth, hold him up. Be a prayer partner with your pastor

and a prayer warrior for your pastor.

One pastor was asked, "what

is the secret of your effectiveness?" Without hesitation, he answered,

"my people pray for me." Do you pray for your pastor and staff?

(Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor,

McDonough Road Baptist Church,

Fayetteville. The church is

located at 352 McDonough Road. The church

family invites you to join

them for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at

10:55 a.m. and 6 p.m.).

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