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Christian Counseling Connection
PASTORAL CARE
erations, the lack of insurance, the reality that one out of every
six pastors is bi-vocational, and family challenges where spous-
es are not on the same page with their pastor husbands or
wives. I could go on and on because we have not even begun
to address the issues of burnout, addictions, and self-inflicted
wounds that will eventually manifest themselves in the pastor’s
ministry and family.
The Emergency Room for Pastoral Care
Years ago, Billy Graham was speaking to a seminary in Indiana
and gave the following advice to the young, inexperienced
clergy students before him: “Make sure you have a personal
encounter with Jesus Christ. Be certain of your call. Have sys-
tematic daily devotions—at least a half hour every day. Have a
consuming love for mankind. Preach with authority, simplicity,
urgency. Above all, be an example, as Paul taught Timothy, in
life, love, speech, and purity.”
That all seems pretty simple, does it not? However, what
you must understand is there is a pressure raging around every
pastor’s life tempting him or her to do just the opposite. Some
cross the line, but thankfully most do not. How do we come
alongside our pastors as Aaron and Hur did with Moses to hold
their arms up in the midst of the battle?
Prescription for Safe Passage in Ministry
First, we must look at Scripture. In Ephesians 4:11, we see that
it was God who called and appointed pastors—not man. In
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, it says, “… acknowledge those who
work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who
admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because
of their work….” There are many more references, but these
two pretty well say it all. Here is my advice, as humble as it is:
Say the two of us were sitting across from one another and you
said to me, “H.B., how can I best help my pastor have a long
and successful ministry?” I would respond with the following:
Pray for Them:
A pastor and his or her family who are not
being prayed for are vulnerable and fair game for Satan’s plans.
Be Generous toThem:
Make sure they have safe trans-
portation, adequate vacations, and a livable wage. Give them
opportunities for additional training.
AffirmThem:
Be a positive influence in their lives. Com-
pliment them, entertain them, and honor them.
Listen toThem:
If there is something going on that does
not suit you, do not drag your negativity all over the church.
Go to your pastor and hear what he or she has to say before
you draw a conclusion. Contentious churches break the heart
of our God.
Let Them Dream:
Every pastor has a dream in his or her
heart for the church or community that, at times, they are hes-
itant to reveal because so many congregations are satisfied with
the status quo. Too often pastors hear: “It will not work here”
or “We have tried it before” or “It will cost too much.” Listen to
your pastor’s dreams.
Remember, Pastors are PeopleToo:
This is so very true.
They have all the challenges that every other person or family
has with one exception—the expectations for them are greater
because they have been called and anointed as a “pastor.”
I have often said there is no promotion from the pastorate. You
can go on to do other things, but you will never find a greater
challenge or privilege than answering the call of God “to feed
His sheep.” However, pastors need to be fed as well, and that,
my friend, is the responsibility of those of us who have been
blessed by one of God’s shepherds.
;
Rev. H.B. London, Jr., D.D.,
has served
nearly 35 years in pastoral ministry—20 as
Pastor to Pastors with Focus on the Family.
H.B. and his wife, Beverley, are now “retired”
and live in LaQuinta, California, where he
continues his ministry to the clergy through
H.B. London Ministries
(hblondon.org). Focus
on the Family has conferred on H.B. the title of Pastor to
Pastors Emeritus.
“… acknowledge those
who work hard among you,
who care for you in the
Lord and who admonish
you. Hold them in the
highest regard in love
because of their work….”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13