“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)
To read previous posts in this
series, please see: Clergy Appreciation Month, Clergy Appreciation Month: Pastor Appreciation Sunday, and Clergy Appreciation Month: Laity Serving.
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?
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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?
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| 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
Sometimes we forget that our pastors need encouragement in their visions for the church. Thanks, Kim, for this timely reminder.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
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.
DeleteLove and blessings!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi 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?
ReplyDeleteI am sure that you are a welcomed and welcoming person in your spiritual community Kim. You have such a gift for encouragement!
Blessings,
Ceil
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.
DeleteThank 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