Most people who attend church enjoy their church and their pastor. I don’t have any statistics to prove that; it’s just my assumption. Why would you attend a church you don’t like?
That doesn’t mean that we never get aggravated with our pastor or church leadership. But, can we do so and still honor them? Absolutely.
I wrote a post several months ago on several ways to honor your pastor.
I’ll admit that there are days I have been annoyed by the words of my pastor. If they’re always doing everything just right, then there’s most likely a problem. Let me say this: my pastor is not a people pleaser and I love that about him.
Guess what?
That’s okay…
Do you ever have those moments in your life where someone talks badly about someone in your family? It may be that brother that you just slapped on the back of the head 15 minutes ago. When you hear someone else messing with them, things are different though, right? It’s like this: I can talk about my family, but you can’t. We’ve all done that before I’m sure.
Our spiritual family is just like our family.
I’ve been ticked off at him. It’s ok for me to be. He’s like that annoying big brother that you just want to flick on the forehead in certain moments. Just like family, with time, you move on and get over it.
But…
When others start to put him down, as my grandpa used to say, “Dem are fightin’ words!”
When you start to trash talk the man who has been leading me, I’ll be there to stick up for him just like I would my own brother, regardless of how much he aggravates me.
Recently I saw a Facebook post talking trash about my pastor. This was from a man who had left the church bitter, and due to his own circumstances. I got frustrated pretty quickly and was ready to go at it. God has been teaching me to keep my mouth shut, and luckily I chose to be obedient. I still had to ask forgiveness for the thoughts in my head, though I didn’t type them out.
I was ready to stick up for him because he was my family.
[reminder]Have you found yourself in a situation like this? What did you do?[/reminder]
I too have had something like that happen Sundi Jo. Not about my pastor but someone I love and admire. I too had my jaw ready to give it to them and tell them just what I thought. Well then the Holy Spirit ever so gently nudged me reminding me that my job was to pray for them and not to set the record straight. That was God’s job. Praying for others in silence is wonderful because they will receive a blessing and have no clue. Very hard to retract words once they have been said. In reacting to ones defense we also can say harmful things and that is a double trouble. I try my best to keep my tongue under control but giving it to God has been the best way for me to control every part of my life.
Keep up the good work following the Lord. So happy to see the beautiful woman you are becoming.
Love your encouragement Nancy. Thanks..
I really love your article. I work with over 50 pastors every week and this is the kind of encouragement these “men of God” need. Some of these men have left high paying jobs and various careers to become faithful servants of the Lord and His Church. To read that your pastor is “my family” encourages me in a time when so many great men of God are leaving the ministry. They are not leaving because of a lack of “calling.” They simply are finding it hard to stand under the pressures from within the church. I have found that all they need is a simple, “I really appreciate what you are doing for us!” No big parade, no bells and whistles, just a simple, “Thank you.”
I am a third generation pastor. I grew up watching how my father and grandfather were loved by their churches. I also witnessed how one cruel word could cut deep into the heart of man who loves the Lord and His Church. It gives me hope for the future of the Church when I read statements like the ones you made in the above article. Thank you for sharing your love of your pastor with me. You have made my day!
Dr. Roach, I’m thrilled and honored that my post touched your heart. My hope with this blog is that God uses it to touch at least one person. Honored he used me today to touch yours. Thanks for the encouragement to keep going.
Where do you pastor at?
Sundi, I am the Director of Mission of the Moriah Baptist Association of churches in Lancaster, SC. I work with 56 congregations and some really GREAT men of God! I pastored in North and South Carolina for 24 years before taking on this position.
Keep up your good work. Your type of encouragement is needed by pastors today!
That’s great. If you’re ever interested, I am a speaker as well. I share my testimony and speak on other topics too. I would be happy to send you a media kit. You can view my speaking page to learn a little more.
Well being a Pastor myself, it’s best to practice ignoring the negative comments of those who can’t sit down with you face to face and talk. Just my 2 cents. Great site.
Adonis, thanks so much. Ignoring probably is the best practice. How long have you been a pastor?
I’ve been a Pastor for over 15 years and I love to encourage other Pastors in their journey.
That’s great! So glad you are following God’s calling to share His great news!