We love and care for our Pastor because it is scriptural.   The bible emphasizes that a Pastor is a “gift from God”.   While to be a Pastor is an esteemed position, it is also well known that Pastoring is often a challenging occupation filled with heartbreak, discouragement, and suffering. Listen to Paul’s description of ministry: “For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.” 1 Corinthians 4:9–13

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AT CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER WE HAVE MADE THE COMMITMENT TO:

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1. Pray FOR and WITH him.

   • A Pastor must feed the flock, comfort the afflicted, afflict the comfortable, protect the sheep from danger, confront sin, confront disobedience, and minister to the lost.  There is a big target on the Pastor.  The enemy knows that if he “smites the shepherd, the sheep will scatter”.   Paul made this plea “strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.”   To pray for our Pastor is to join in his ministry, it is to join hands against the enemy, it is to project a united front against spiritual wickedness in high places.

2. Support him financially.

3. Care for his wife and children. 

   • The Pastor’s family is often the target of spiritual attack.  His children are often the subject of ridicule and are often under the microscope of unrealistic expectations.  When you love his family, it is the greatest show of support you can offer.

4. Follow his leadership as he follows Christ.

5. Understand his need for Sabbatical. (Rest)

   • “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.”  We do not grudge the days our Pastor takes to renew and restore his soul, we know it is scriptural.

6. Offer to serve the congregation as an extension of his ministry.

   • Our involvement in the local church not only serves God and others, but it is also a means of serving our Pastor.  We commit to giving our time, talents, and gifts to enhance the work of God in our local church.

7. Offer words of encouragement and support.

   • Often, the only words a Pastor hears are those of complaint and criticism.  Understanding the complexity of the job and the spiritual warfare involved, we commit our words to be “Gracious words like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Prov 16:24

8. Forgive him or his family.

   • I am certain we have all heard from or know someone who has been wronged or hurt by the church or ministry.  We realize that even Pastors and their families are human and capable of mistakes. The scriptures tell us to “forgive them that trespass against us”.

9. Don’t expect him to handle it alone.

   • We are the body of Christ.  We commit to utilizing our talents and God-given abilities for the church.  We commit to teach, sing, work, clean, or whatever else we can do to support our local church.