Love Thy Members

Do you feel appreciated as a pastor? 

Pastor Appreciation month comes and goes. Some pastors receive cards, text messages, gift cards, or an epic church potluck dinner. They feel appreciated and motivated to care well for God’s flock.

Other pastors? Maybe some pastors feel like their congregation participated in “Forget About Your Pastor” month. There was no celebration in the fellowship hall, no handwritten card, not even a simple “Thank you”. The thankless days pile up and the desire to persist in ministry plummets. 

Whether you’re a pastor that feels appreciated or a pastor that experienced another thankless month, I want to encourage you to go forth and “Love Thy Members”. 

Why should pastors love their members during the good times and the difficult times? Here are three of the many reasons why God has summoned pastors to love His people:

• Members Belong to God - Stepping stones are used to create a pathway to an intended destination. The members of your church are not steppingstones for a larger ministry destination. They are the bride of Christ who are bought by the precious blood of the Lamb. So, brothers, reflect on the value of those in your congregation and then go in the Name of Jesus and care well for their soul. 
  
  
• Members Are Doing the Work of the Ministry - Whether it’s leading a group overseas, surrendering to full-time ministry, leading community outreach events, and more, pastors have grand visions for the people of God. Having a grand vision for the people of God is healthy and Biblical (Ephesians 4:13-18). 
  
  However, love your members where they are, not where you want them to be. If you only love the grand vision you have for the people of God, you will miss the work God is currently doing through them.
  
  Do you have a member that cuts the grass on the church property? Do you have a member that prays daily for their family? Do you have a deacon that faithfully teaches a Sunday School class? Publicly rejoice over the work God is already doing in their lives and privately surrender your plans to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. 
  
  
• Members Are Tired - I understand the exhaustion you are currently experiencing. For more on facing exhaustion in ministry, read this post. Yet, Paul said in Acts 20:28, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock.” As you pay careful attention to yourself, remember that the members of the flock God called you to serve are also exhausted. The changes forced upon from the pandemic have been a strain on everyone. Care well for your own soul, and from the overflow of your self-care, go and care well for the tired members in your congregation. 

How do you care for the members of your congregation? Share creative ways you care for those God has called you to serve.