I probably have different perspectives of what a senior pastor looks like than most people. I have served at several churches over the past nine years. I have taken the opportunity to learn from different pastors and seen different styles of leadership and pastoring. I had no idea what a pastor did all day and like many people, my perspective is formed from what I saw on Sunday mornings. The truth is that it is so much more than what you see on Sunday morning.
Currently I serve as an associate pastor of youth and discipleship, but I am more of a youth pastor than anything else. I enjoy youth ministry and teenagers.
My role as a staff member is different than my senior pastor. So my point is not to bring attention to associate pastors/staff members. My desire is to bring honor to our senior pastors.
Here are some of the things that I have observed from pastors from a behind the scenes view. Pastors wear many different hats.
They will meet with a family in the mourning who has just lost a loved one. They will mourn their loss and bring comfort and hope to the family. They may leave that appointment and head straight to the hospital and pray with/encourage someone who is scared about the open-heart surgery they are about to have. Then that afternoon they may meet with the happy young couple that is getting married and now is seeking pre-marital counsel.
Imagine all the different emotions that would be wrapped into that day, all the wisdom and discernment that they would have to have. Many of them are also husbands and fathers.
So when they go home, they minister to and love their families. They also spend enormous amounts of time praying and preparing for sermons. I heard someonesay this about preaching a sermon. It is like you preparing for your job each week and then having to do the most difficult part of that job in front of friends, family and total strangers.
They continually have to remain fresh and relevant to their congregation.
Finally, there is the spiritual warfare side of the ministry. This is something that people cannot fully understand unless you’re in the ministry. The constant attack from the enemy is real and intense. The enemy would love nothing more than to see you fail and for it to happen publically. The war is fierce and constant.
Your senior pastor is not perfect, he is not a super hero, but he is the man that God has placed behind the pulpit at your church.
Scripture is very clear about bringing honor to your pastor. So encourage your pastor this week with a hug and an encouraging word.
Pray daily for your pastor and his family. Pray against Satan, his demons and their works and effects on your pastor and his family. It would be such a blessing to him.
Oh, and one last thing, find out his favorite dessert and bring it to the next potluck.
“And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. (The Message)◊◊◊
Editor’s note: Michael Smith is the youth pastor of First Baptist Church, Pea Ridge. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Church, Pages 2 on 08/24/2011