Please tell them.
As I often tell Pastor Nominating Committees, it’s better not to have a pastor than to wish you didn’t have one. There are too many pastoral leaders out there who are in the wrong role or unwilling to pivot or are unteachable. And so if you appreciate your pastors, please let them know by:
- Telling them – preferably in writing. Emails count as writing.
- Honoring their Sabbath. That means you. No phone calls or emails unless it’s a life and death situation.
- Gifting them with something meaningful – and I’m not talking about a church plate or a photo of the sanctuary. Gift cards to restaurants and book stores are always lovely.
- Pay them as generously as possible.
- Remember they are called to serve God, not your personal ecclesiastical whims.
- Remember they are called to serve God, not to perpetuate an institution, even if it’s your longtime Church Home.
- Remember that Scripture says their job description includes equipping you to fulfill your own ministry.
Mosaic of Martha – Matron Saint of Clergywomen – by pastor and artist Beth Merrill Neel who is someone you should know.
A Church for Starving Artists 