Give Your Pastor A Hug

Okay, maybe not literally give your pastor a hug....they may not be into hugs ;)

But this week I'd like to give a big enthusiastic thumbs up to pastors.

The more I think about them, the more I admire them for their love and service to God and his people. And when I say 'pastors', I also wish to include godly men and women in full-time or part-time ministries of all capacities, examples being chaplains and missionaries.

I have no doubt there are evil men and women out there, peddling the gospel for their own gain and to manipulate and control those they lead. This post is not about them - it's about the thousands of pastors who serve with integrity, whose lives are bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, those who keep being faithful to God and faithful to those they lead despite opposition.

You wouldn't be in it for the money, that's for certain. Only love and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ would inspire them to give up lucrative careers to serve among the perennial whingers and complainers who often come with church ministry. I look at them and think 'Far out' - I'd be tempted to give up and I'm sure they are sometimes....but they keep going. They keep loving, keep being being patient, keep listening, keep holding out the word of truth to stubborn obstinate people while wrestling with their own weaknesses and finding time themselves to sit at God's feet and listen to him.

I've heard people say shocking things about some pastors. Sure, they make mistakes. But most of these guys are genuinely doing their best and trying to care for people to the best of their ability. It is virtually impossible to run a service or group in such a way that pleases everyone. How hard must it be to lead a group of people who all expect you to be their personal counseller. I was talking to Aimee's dad last night and he pastors a church in Botswana. He said as soon as he became a pastor, he became a counseller. Some people have genuine issues and need comfort and support. But surely pastors' patience must be stretched when people just want to complain that the pastor has not had them over for dinner as much as Billy or Bob.

No pastor is perfect just as no person is perfect. And they may not be perfect leaders but they need our support just as much as we need theirs. Think about how you can care for your pastor. Or just simply say 'thank you'. So many pastors 'burn out' and quit ministry as a result. It's a tough gig but a worthwhile one so give them the joy of seeing the fruit of their labour by showing them how the Lord has used their labour to impact your life.

• Tell them in person, email, SMS or a phone call (or write an anonymous note).


• Pray for them.


• Share scripture with them to encourage them to keep going.

If you're a pastor-type, THANK YOU. You are appreciated and we are grateful for you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

For more info on the Thumbs Up series, click here.