Rachel Held Evans posted on her blog a wonderful article, 11 Things I Wish More Pastors Would Say. As a Pastor in training, I think the flip side of the coin is also important. Here are 10 Things I Wish More Parishioners Would Say in no particular order.
- “Take some time off, we can handle it around here.”
- “I pray for you daily” (And actually does it).
- “Can I take you out to lunch?”
- “I didn’t understand your sermon or I liked this specific part of your sermon.” (I usually get “good sermon” which is unhelpful).
- “How can I serve in worship?”
- “What needs to get done around here?” (And actually gets it done).
- “What ministry needs the most help?”
- “Use my cabin to get away.”
- “Wasn’t it great that we had children running around in worship today.”
- “You don’t need to go to all the committee meetings.”
Pastors: What would you add to the list? What is something you have heard that was life giving? What is not helpful?
Non-Pastors: How do you encourage your pastor? How do you support him/her?
-jpserrano
“you are allowed to be a real person.” I’m an elder… and this is what I say to my pastor.
I appreciate this comment. I think Pastors often feel like they can be a “real person”
1.a) “We’re not paying you nearly enough for all the hours you are putting in. Please accept this raise along with our appreciation.”
One can always dream.=)
“We value your family, you need one Sunday a month to worship with your husband” (I’m half of a clergy couple, and my husband and I serve at different churches. As I was negotiating my call, this was said to me. It was incredibly life giving, and continues to be!)
What a wonderful gift to get from a congregation. I can only pray that I will have similar experiences during my negotiations.
I LOVE number 9 – there is definitely a balance cos it can be completely distractive and maybe destructive but once the congregation embraces the noises and interjections and messiness of little children it can be an incredible thing – i love messy church! nice list!
Brett, you may like this post on Children in Church. Thanks for your feedback.
Ah, you were correct, what an excellent post – thank you.Is there any way I could reblog this on my blog with links back to yours. Because I really think it is an important piece and my readers would benefit from the engagement. Thankx a lot. b
Please do.
ah thank you so much!
12. I visited xxx in the hospital today, Pastor, and prayed with them. I’ll let you know if there is any change
YES!!!!!! We have a couple who visits everyone on our list. I am thankful for them.
“I’m concerned about the new program you’re proposing, Pastor. Can I share my concerns with you in a rational, dispassionate way rather than threatening to leave if you don’t do it exactly the way I want?”
Indeed!
This is what I am passionate about, these are my talents, these are my gifts. How can I serve?
If I had one person say this to me a year, it would knock my socks off.