“Don’t worry, I’m not going to yell at ‘cha.” My heart was warmed by this unexpected demonstration of grace. I was in the self-checkout line at Walmart. After bagging my few purchases, I turned to walk away but realized that it would be best to double bag the heavier glass jars. Turning back to the self-checkout register, I realized that someone had approached the spot where I had been and begun to place their groceries on the counter for scanning. Quickly, I tried to pull two bags from the bag dispenser, but could not find a grip to retrieve one or two single bags. Feeling awkward, I tried even harder to pluck a couple of bags free from the stack when I heard a kind voice beside me. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to yell at ‘cha. I’m not going to be late for anything if it takes you a little longer.” I turned to face a woman, perhaps from an agrarian background— maybe sixty years old, tussled red hair, with sun-damaged skin showing the effects of much outdoor labor. I had not felt such kindness from a stranger for a long time. Grace. Kindness. Undeserved favor. We experience too little of these virtues.
Serving as a local church elder is one of the most important responsibilities in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The local church is the source of all accessions of new believers, the place from which children come to attend our church schools, and the source of financial support for preaching the gospel around the world. The effectiveness of pastors and local congregations increases when local church elders pray for the pastor and support the mission endeavors and discipleship training that the pastor leads.
My work as a church pastor and leader over the years was radically blessed by the prayerful support of church members who loved me, who at times spoke truth that was hard to hear yet who consistently remained loyal and “in my corner.”
Here are a few practical tips on how to bless your pastor and, in turn, bless your congregation:
1. Show grace toward your pastor. Love your pastor in spite of their weaknesses. We all have both strong points and areas in need of growth. Pastors are no exception. Life experiences leave many of us wounded when we get to adulthood. Therefore all people, including pastors, make mistakes. The only course is to love your pastor even when they misstep, either due to not knowing or an inherent manifestation of emotional or spiritual immaturity. Others may make mistakes but when the pastor missteps, it is noticed by more people. Grace means being kind and giving the benefit of the doubt even when people stumble.
2. Affirm your pastor when you see them doing well. Affirmation is powerful. It must be sincere and based upon something that is credible. Genuine compliments lift a load and keep the pastor moving forward with strength and courage.
3. Speak the truth in love. Sometimes your pastor may benefit from sensitive counsel. But don’t talk to others; just talk to your pastor. Pray for your pastor— frequently, and especially before you address the pastor with concerns or challenges. If you always talk to Jesus before you speak to the pastor about a sensitive matter, it will be much more impactful.
The apostle Paul often began his letters to believers with the words “grace and peace.” Extend grace to your pastor, and give your pastor the benefit of the doubt. And praying for your pastor regularly and often will help your pastor succeed, enjoy a fruitful ministry, and grow to be more effective as a worker for God.
Mike Cauley served the church for forty-three years as a pastor and administrator. He now offers coaching and leadership development for pastors and leaders through Realize Outcomes, based in Bradenton, FL, USA.
