By Darrel Anderson
Your pastor comes to you as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. His or her first responsibility as a person called of God is to be a representative of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote a job description for a pastor, which we find in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NIV):
This then, is how you ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
A pastor doesn’t look for or expect praise and appreciation. That’s a good way to get disappointed. That being said, there are several things he or she would appreciate!
- A pastor wants to be a true Shepherd caring for his or her people. They appreciate when people respond to that love and concern.
- A pastor wants to allow God’s presence to be the life of his or her ministry. He appreciates when the flock grows into the same grace and love of God.
- A pastor appreciates when parents speak well of him or her to their children in the home. Some are critical of their pastor and then later on call on him or her to bail their kids out of trouble. It’s hard to help children who have no respect for the pastor.
- A pastor appreciates when people respond to biblical teaching. A good example is when people realize it’s their blessing and responsibility to tithe and support the church and it’s mission wherever in the world.
- A pastor appreciates a comment about a particular way his or her message was helpful.
- A pastor appreciates when members are considerate of his or her children. In our early pastoral days, people of the church would even take our children on Sunday afternoons between services so my wife and I could rest.
- A pastor appreciates when people don’t criticize his or her spouse.
- A pastor appreciates every kindness.
About the Author
Darrell Anderson is a graduate of Open Bible College. He received an MA from Ashland Seminary and a ThD from Trinity Evangelical Seminary. He and his late wife, Arlene, served in ministry throughout their lives, including a missionary term in Jamaica. He also served eighteen years with the National Association of Evangelicals and eleven years as Executive Director of the Romanian Missionary Society. For fifteen years during semi-retirement, he conducted funeral services for the unchurched. Darrel is now enjoying retirement in McKinney, Texas.
