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Friday, October 23, 2015

Clergy Appreciation Month: Encouragement



“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:  and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)


We are told in the Bible to encourage each other daily, while we still can (Hebrews 3:13), this includes our pastor.  How are we doing in following the counsel of the writer of Hebrews?   

From http://encourageyourspouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/encourage-synonyms.jpg


One area where we can encourage our pastor is in dreaming/visioning for the church, one of the many parts of a pastor’s job description.  It is here that our pastors seek the Lord, ideally, for direction in leading the church.  For example, it is here that new ministries are born or new formatting for worship is realized.

Dreaming or visioning is simply planning, setting goals for the future.  Without goals churches, like people tend to aimlessly drift through life.  Dreams or visions help get things accomplished.

From https://gaffordpdc.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/dowithlife-1jk9o11.jpg?w=300&h=199


Be supportive of those dreams—handling them with care because they are delicate—like soap bubbles.  Many times, those dreams are inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Dreams can be costly in terms of time, effort, and even money.  Yet Holy Spirit inspired dreams can change the direction of churches and of lives.  Holy Spirit dreams can (and have) set the world on fire! 


From http://images.all-free-download.com/images/graphicthumb/transparent_bubbles_background_241377.jpg

When the temptation arises to criticize the dreaming/visioning of your pastor (or anyone else!), recall how it felt to have your dreams destroyed by someone who simply did not understand or refused to understand.  How did you feel?  What happened to those dreams?  Please encourage others to not criticize as well.

Encourage your pastor to keep dreaming!  Ask good questions and seek to understand your pastor’s ideas.  In so doing, I believe that you will learn more about the heart of your pastor.  That is priceless!  Deeply consider and pray about how you can help him/her in implementing those dreams, by using your gifts and talents.   

What dreams/visions has your pastor shared with you/your church?


From http://popmn.org/wp-content/uploads/popmn/2014/03/Gods-Dreams.jpg


Please join me in prayer:

Dear Lord, we pray that our pastor will find the freedom and courage to dream godly dreams and have the courage and strength from You to follow them.  Bless our pastor in planning for the future ministry of our church.  Help us to support and encourage our pastor to pursue the dreams and visions and not get in the way; encouraging others to be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.  Open us to the ways we can assist our pastor in dreaming/visioning for the church and in pursuing those by the use of the gifts You have graciously given us.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.   

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim


5 comments:

  1. Sometimes we forget that our pastors need encouragement in their visions for the church. Thanks, Kim, for this timely reminder.
    Love and blessings!

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    1. Yes, Martha, it's easy to forget that pastors need encouragement too--particularly as they develop their vision for the church. You're welcome for the reminder.

      Love and blessings!

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Hi Kim! I was thinking along the same lines as Martha. Sometimes I see a pastor as the 'institution' and not as a person. That's not very fair, is it. I liked the way you gave practical advice about dashing a goal. What if it was my goal? How would I accept that input?

    I am sure that you are a welcomed and welcoming person in your spiritual community Kim. You have such a gift for encouragement!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ceil! I'm thrilled to know that I helped you see things in a different light. It's easy to see pastors as the 'institution' and not as a person. In the past, I thought similarly. I'm thankful that my thoughts have changed, and now I can also encourage others to see their pastor as a person.

      Thank you for your kind words about this post and about how I encourage others and so much more! It's always nice to have gifts and talents acknowledged.

      Blessings,

      Kim

      Delete

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