Pastors are called to be servant leaders, taking care of their flock and feeding their sheep, but that doesn't mean that the church does not have an obligation to serve their pastors as well.
Consumerism is a growing danger amongst churches today, bringing danger to every member of the church especially the one in charge. Often church goers try to find ways that their pastors can meet their needs, forgetting that their spiritual leaders also have needs that only their congregation can meet for them.
How can we as members of our local congregation, take better care of our pastors and bring them the same energy and life that they bring to us? Here are some practical ways that you can serve your pastor.
1. Respect and love your pastor
1 Thessalonians 5:12,13 reminds us to "...respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." The number one thing that pastors need, but are too shy to say, are expressions of act and respect from their congregation. It doesn't mean that they need to you to feed them your approval, but a simple "thank you" or "I appreciate you" goes as a long added bonus for our leaders.
2. Submit to their authority
It takes trust to submit to our leaders, and remembering that it was God who appointed them, no matter how imperfect they are, helps us grow in trust and submission to your pastor. Hebrews 13:17 says, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
3. Pray for your pastor
Almost every time a service ends, members of the church rush to the pulpit to have the pastor pray for them: for their businesses, for their sickness, for their enemies even. But Paul reminds us that even spiritual leaders need prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:25, he says, "Brothers, pray for us."
Not only is it our duty to serve our pastors, but it is a great privilege that God has given to us to be a blessing to those who bless us. To love and serve your pastor is the biggest ministry delight we will ever get as members of our churches.
