Receive him therefore in the Lord with all
gladness, and hold such men in esteem....
(Philippians 2:29 )
Have you ever received one of those email
chain-letters that tell you if you don't forward it, something bad will happen
to you? Read this one:
Do you want a perfect
pastor? Here is what it takes:
He pleases everyone. Preaches exactly twenty minutes and follows
it with an invitation in which everyone is convicted but no one is offended. Works
from 7 AM to midnight in every aspect of work from counseling to janitorial
work. 27 years old with 30 years of
experience. Tall and short. Thin and heavy set. Handsome but not overpowering. One brown eye and one blue. Hair parted in the middle and straight on one
side and wavy on the other, with a balding spot on top revealing his maturity. Has a burning desire to work with
teenagers and spends all his time with senior citizens. He smiles constantly with a straight face
because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously at his work. Invests 25 hours a week in sermon
preparation, 20 hours in pastoral counseling, 10 hours in meetings, 5 hours in
emergencies, 20 hours in visitation and evangelism, 6 hours in funerals and
weddings, 30 hours in prayer, 12 hours in correspondence, and 10 hours in
creative thinking. Is always available
in his office. He always has time for
all committees and activities of the church. He never misses the meeting of any
church organization and is always busy evangelizing the un-churched. Has perfect kids. Spouse plays the keyboard. The perfect pastor is always the next town
over. He is talented, gifted, scholarly,
practical, popular, compassionate, understanding, patient, level-headed,
dependable, loving, caring, neat, organized, cheerful, and above all, humble.
If your pastor does
not measure up, simply send this notice to six other churches that are tired of
their pastor too. Then bundle up your pastor and send him to the church at the
top of your list. If everyone cooperates, in one week you will receive 1,643
pastors. One of them should be perfect. Have faith in this letter. One church broke the chain and got its old
pastor back in less than three months.
Let me tell you what will really transform a pastor—loving encouragement!
It won't make him perfect, but it will
help!
Encourage him with YOUR PRAYERS. Repeatedly, you find Paul pleading for
prayers (Phil.1:19 ).
It is far better to talk to God about
your pastor's deficiencies rather than other members! Recall how Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands? Do that as you pray!
Encourage him by YOUR PRESENCE. Paul wanted to do more than send a letter. He wanted to send a servant. Face to face is vital. The best meal won't nourish you if you aren't
at the table. It also discourages the
cook! On Sunday mornings a spiritual
buffet is waiting!
Encourage him with YOUR PRAISE (Phil.2:29). Not to puff up with
pride, but to fuel up with encouragement!
Encourage him with YOUR
PRACTICE (Phil.2:19-20). Paul wanted a return
on his investment! The farmer wants to
see fruit for his labor!
Encourage him with YOUR
POSSESSIONS (Phil.2:30b). They sent an offering.
We are to support the ministry.
Inside one of our church
member’s Bible I read, "How good would this church be, if every member
were as good as me?" Good
question. What is your answer?
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