how to treat your minister

Forgot that this Sunday is National Clergy Appreciation Day?

While it may be a big deal for some ministers, it’s not for me. In fact, I tend to rebel against “mandated” days like that. Valentine’s Day and Bosses Day fall in the same category. Who gives a rip? Hallmark’s not my master.

Thus, if you expect me to have a suggestion or two on how to show your appreciation for your pastor, I have nothing to offer. You’re on your own.

But I will offer three general suggestions on how I think pastors would like to be treated year-round. I don’t pretend to speak for all pastors, but suspect that some of them—maybe even many of them—would agree with one or more of these suggestions.

Treat them as people, not just pastors

Readers of this blog know this is a pet peeve of mine. In my experience, Christians have trouble seeing their pastor as anything but a minister. As a result he is often seen only as a resource, not as a person. Because of that, deep conversations and friendships are rare.

I was contacted by an old friend and co-worker from the business world recently and our email conversations were absolutely wonderful. While I’m passionate about what I’m doing, it was great not to read a single mention of ministry. We just caught up with personal stuff and shared a few laughs.

This doesn’t mean that pastors don’t accept their calling, because they do. It’s that they’re more than ministers—they’re human just like you. And that means they have hopes and dreams, as well as struggles.

At the end of his life the Apostle Paul pleaded with Timothy to “come to me quickly.”1 Even though Timothy would undoubtedly help the Apostle to minister, we know from other writings that the two were very close. Taken in context, I believe Paul’s plea to Timothy was for his friendship and companionship just as much as the ministry part.

Pray for (and with) them

This is perhaps the greatest gift you can give to a pastor. I know from experience that when people are praying for me great things happen. Not because of anything I’ve done, but because the Lord’s answering the prayers of those on my behalf.

There’s a woman in my congregation who does more than just pray for me: She prays with me. She makes a habit of calling me periodically to see how I’m doing and to encourage me. And without fail she ends the calls by praying for me right then and there.

She not only prays for me, but with me. While the latter may not be your cup of tea, if it is, give it a try and put an extra bounce in your pastor’s step.

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”2

Compensate them fairly

While many ministers receive a livable wage and even well beyond, many do not. Many struggle to make ends meet and are left to scramble when it comes to things like health insurance and retirement. Benefits that many of us expect in the secular world are often not there in the ministry world.

I don’t say this to make you feel sorry for pastors, just to be aware that many are not compensated like people in other professions. While sacrifices are to be expected, the financial and emotional toll that it takes on pastors and their families can often be devastating.

The reality is, pastors who are always worried about their personal finances are distracted and unable to minister as effectively as they could be. And while you may not be a decision-maker in your church, I encourage you to do whatever you can to make sure your pastor is compensated fairly.

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’"3

So there you have it. National Clergy Appreciation Day? I personally could care less, but if you think it’s really important to your pastor, then buy him a card. Hallmark will love you.

But if you really want to show your appreciation for your pastor—and not just one day a year but year-round—then:

·         Pray for (and with) them

·         Treat them as people, not just pastors

·         Compensate them fairly

1  2 Timothy 4:9

2  Ephesians 6:19

3  1Timothy 5:17-18

the calling

I couldn’t ignore her screams. I just couldn’t.

So I got out of the shower, set a world’s record drying off, and threw on a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt. I started for the door, but decided I’d better bring a weapon along. I could hear the terror in the woman’s screams and didn’t want to go into a situation unprepared.

Reaching under the bed I found the club kept there for emergencies. Now armed, I raced out the front door and sprinted up the street towards the source of the screaming.

As I ran past onlookers wandering towards the commotion, the screaming finally stopped. Seeing a crowd gathered outside an apartment window, I headed in their direction.

One person saw me coming, then another, and another. The word spread fast, and as they turned and looked my way I could see the fear in their eyes. Who is this mad man with wet hair, no shoes and a club in his hand sprinting towards them with a, “I’m going to kick somebody’s butt” look on his face?

The crowd backed away not knowing my intentions, but were relieved to hear I was just there to help whoever was screaming. I quickly discovered that a man had been beating his girlfriend and the woman was now safe with a friend. Meanwhile, the abuser was holed up in a nearby apartment.

As I contemplated confronting the man, the police arrived and took control of the situation. After the police officer was convinced that the mad man wielding a club was not involved, I walked home to finish my shower and explain to my family what had just happened.

Why do I share this story from a while back? Because even though I was scared to death, felt totally unprepared, and had no idea what would happen when I finally got there, I went. I mean, come on. How can I ignore a woman screaming?

Which brings me to my point: What does God want you to do that you’re not doing but know you should do?

I know, I know. It’s scary. And you may feel totally unprepared. But the tug’s there, isn’t it? The desire’s there, isn’t it?

Maybe, just maybe, God is calling you to do something.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”1

According to these verses, God supernaturally equips His believers with abilities to do certain things. That means we’re not as unprepared as we might think. And if the God of the universe is on our side and wants us to do something, well, shouldn’t we do it?

So there it is: God is calling and you have a decision to make. Will you get out of your comfort zone and do what needs to be done?

If you think I didn’t consider ignoring that woman’s screams, you’re wrong. I did consider it. But I concluded I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t go. I just had to go.

So what’s your excuse? While it’s probably a good one, will you have regrets if you turn a deaf ear?

The Lord may not be screaming, but He is calling. Are you listening?

1  Romans 12:6-8

fed up with exercising and old age

I’m tired of exercising. Anybody with me?

Push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, leg-lifts and all the other stuff, I hate it all. And the weights and the exercise ball? Go bother someone else.

Can somebody please tell me why I spend 1 ½ to two hours every day of my life stretching and exercising? I love the walks, but the rest? Ugh. Is it really getting me anywhere? It’s days like these when I really wonder whether it’s worth it.

Well, I am alive and reasonably healthy. I guess that’s a good thing. But when I look in the mirror all I see is a fat middle-aged man on his way to elderly and really fat.

I read my doctor’s chart a while back and it described me as “well developed” and “well nourished.” I liked the former, but not the latter. Fact is, I felt like hurting the man. (I didn’t, of course. You know, the whole God thing.)

Meanwhile, the age clock keeps ticking. Tick, tick, tick.

Once again, my bad attitude drove me back to Scripture in search of answers. For what it’s worth, here’s what I came up with. A little bit all over the map, but still pertinent. And very convicting.

Pursuing godliness is more important than pursuing physical fitness.

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”1

While this doesn’t mean I shouldn’t exercise—the fact is I should—pursuing godliness is of more value. Practically-speaking, I take this to mean I should be spending at least equal time each day pursuing spiritual maturity. And probably more.

Taking care of my physical health is a good thing, but my spiritual health is more important.

Gotta work on this one.

I must drive God crazy with my complaining.

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”2

So let me get this straight: When I complain on a given day about having to exercise or feeling old it’s like 1,000 years of griping from God’s perspective? Whoa. He must be really fed up with my belly-aching.

Guess I better work on this one, too.

Life as we know it—including the drudgery of exercising and losing one’s youth—won’t last forever.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."3

I like this one the best. Maybe you do, too. I can’t wait “for the old order of things” to pass “away.” You know, a place where there’s no more push-ups and sit-ups, and no more looking in the mirror and saying, “Who’s that?”

But is there something here for me to work on? Uh, yeah. As in what are you complaining about, Chris? Life as you know it isn’t going to last forever. In fact, God has graciously planned for you  to enjoy paradise with Him forever. Emphasis on forever.

Guess I better work on this one, too. As in showing a little more gratitude to my heavenly Father.

So, there it is: I need to make life changes in three areas.

1.      Spend more time on spiritual health than physical health.

2.      Stop complaining about exercising and the old man in the mirror.

3.      Be more grateful.

Yuch. Why did I have to discover this? And why in the world did I share it with you?

The answer, of course, is maybe you can learn something from my stupidity and the mess I call my life. If you’re fed up with exercising and cringing at the person in the mirror, then maybe something that was said here will help.

If not, please do me a favor and forget all the embarrassing things I just shared about myself. Please.

Meanwhile, I’ve got a few things to work on. A little exercising, some serious Bible study, no more complaining and a lot more gratitude.

1  1 Tim 4:8

2  2 Peter 3:8

3  Revelation 21:4

honor and respect

What do Sgt. 1st Class Calvin B. Harrison, Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Jackson, and Sgt. Justin A. Officer  have in common?

They all died in Afghanistan last week while serving our country.

I am ashamed. Ashamed because I’m frequently occupied with my petty problems and rarely think about what’s happening overseas. Last Wednesday and Thursday, when these men died defending my freedom, I was selfishly doing my own thing, oblivious to their sacrifice.

Scripture condemns me as well: We are to honor and show respect towards members of our government, which includes those who serve in our military.

“Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”1

In my shame, I honor them with this blog entry. In my shame, I communicate my respect with these feeble words of contrition and appreciation.

As I contemplated how else one can honor and show respect towards those serving in the military, I came up with these 10 suggestions. It’s my hope that one or more of them will be something that you’d like to take on.  

1.      Pray for someone who is deployed overseas

2.      Send a care package to someone who is deployed

3.      Write letters of encouragement to someone who is deployed

4.      Befriend and support the spouse and children of someone who is deployed

5.      Be patient and understanding with those who have returned from a recent
         deployment

6.      Hire a vet

7.      Volunteer at your local VA hospital, USO or other military-support
         organization

8.      Become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child who has lost a military parent

9.      Thank a vet and those in uniform for serving

10.    Go to http://www.defense.gov/ to see how else you can help

I honor you, Sgt. 1st Class Calvin B. Harrison. I honor you, Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Jackson. And I honor you, Sgt. Justin A. Officer.

I’m ashamed at my indifference and humbled by your sacrifice. Please forgive me, and God help me to do better in the future.

Note: Thanks to James, whose recent Facebook posting pricked my conscience and inspired me to write this blog entry.

1  Romans 13:7

following our passions

I was honored that the president of the company wanted to have lunch with me. I had no idea the purpose was to fire me.

You see, he explained, as a creative account executive with his advertising agency you have to be able to write. And in his mind I wasn't up to the task. 

I was devastated and humiliated. When I graduated from college there was only one thing I really wanted to do: Whatever job I got it had to involve writing. That’s what I was passionate about, had been trained to do, and had received positive feedback on doing.

And yet here was a professional—my first boss in the work world, somebody who presumably knows a writer when he sees one—who was convinced I was a pretender.

To paraphrase my boss, he was saying, “Get a job where you don’t have to write, son.”

Taking his advice, my next job was selling tickets for a professional indoor soccer team. While I did okay in sales, my heart wasn’t in it. Not really. I still wanted to write. I just had to write.

So I decided to interview a fellow worker about his elaborate soccer memorabilia collection, wrote a feature story, and submitted it to a local newspaper. And—will wonders never cease—they printed it.

Having noticed my writing ability, my employer moved me from sales into community and media relations, enabling me to write brochures and an occasional news release. Not heavy duty writing, but a marked improvement.

Slowly, over time, I regained confidence in my writing ability. And just as important my passion now had an outlet.

Subsequent jobs have also required writing, some extensively and some not so much. Now, of course, I have to write sermons and voluntarily maintain this blog.

What’s my point? If you have a passion and the ability to do something then pursue it, no matter what others might say or think.

While it’s true I received formal training in writing, and while it can be argued that my passion comes from within, ultimately I believe it all comes from God. That is, the Lord has given me both the ability to write and the passion to write.

And because of that I want to do it as often as I can and as well as I can.

“…Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”1

So what makes your heart skip a beat? What are you just itching to do but haven’t pulled the trigger on yet?

Whatever it is, go for it. Don’t let naysayers hold you back and don’t let time get away from you. If you have the ability and the passion what are you waiting for?

Go for it. Soon.

And whatever it is, “do it all for the glory of God.”

1  1 Cor 10:31

"a time to laugh"

I laughed so hard it hurt. And as soon as I thought it was all over it started up again.

You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? The tears start flowing and the hand goes up to the mouth trying—in vain—to stifle the noise. And let’s not forget the uncontrollable wheezing as the chest heaves up and down with a life of its own.

And if there are others around they look at you with a gleam in their eyes, all the while wishing that they, too, could join in the fun.

I love to laugh. I’m guessing you do, too.

Most of us know about the health benefits. Laughing relaxes the body and releases stress. More than that, it triggers the release of Endorphins, which increases the sense of well being and actually covers pain. Heck, laughing even promotes better blood flow and is believed to improve the immune system.

Maybe I’m just a dumb guy who wants to stay dumb, but I like to laugh, well, because it makes me feel good. You can analyze it all you want, but all I need to know is it feels good. You see, I’m all about feeling good.

That’s because life can really take a toll, can’t it? And none of us escapes--we’re all prone to all kinds of problems. For instance, who among us hasn’t experienced problems with our health, relationships and money?

Because of that, a good belly laugh or two is the prescription we may need to survive. In fact, you may need to laugh right now. As in now.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to weep and a time to laugh.”1

Gut check time: Have you been doing too much weeping and not enough laughing recently?

If so, then here’s what Dr. Chris recommends: It’s time for you to laugh. Weeping and other emotions have had their turn, but now it’s time for a good belly laugh or two.

Unfortunately, I can’t be there to tell you a joke, a funny story or make a funny face. So, with some reluctance, I’ll share a link to a video that always makes me laugh. If you think it’s sophomoric or downright stupid, well, sorry, but I am who I am.

Maybe, just maybe, you could use some cowbell. Enjoy.

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/719364/

1  Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

unseen companion

I took a walk with the Lord this morning and it was awesome.

Sure, the people who saw me at the park would tell you I was alone, but I know better. The Lord was in the rustling of the leaves, the screeching of the blue jays, and the chirping of the squirrels.

While I love to study Scripture, I feel closest to our great God when I’m outside enjoying what He created. Because of that, I walk a mile-plus every day, regardless of the weather. You see, I just have to get outside. On the rare days when I can’t or don’t I feel empty and deprived.

Even as a kid, one of the first places I went after passing my driver’s test was to the park. While many kids would have gone to Steak and Shake or a friend’s house, I chose the park. Even then I was a nature lover. It’s apparently in my DNA.

I remember lying on my back watching the clouds pass slowly overhead. My imagination had a feast that day. Later, I walked ever-so-carefully on large rocks that jutted out into the Missouri River. Sitting precariously on the last boulder, I took my shoes and socks off and dangled my feet in the water as it rushed by.

It was a positively wonderful day. But then, any day that’s spent outside enjoying what God has created is a wonderful day.

After all, there’s no one like the Lord. No one.

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.”1

Has it been awhile seen you’ve experienced the God described in that verse? Do you feel far away from your heavenly Father right now?

If so, why not take a walk outside today? Somewhere with trees, birds and water. Go alone, but know that you’re not really alone.

You see, wherever you go, the Lord will be there. In the rustling of the leaves, in the screeching of Blue Jays, and the chirping of squirrels.

Talk a walk outside today with the Lord. It’ll be awesome.

1  Isaiah 46:9