Editorial: Viewing ministry not as a career but as a calling
Churches of Christ face a serious shortage of ministers. Congregations…
Honor to whom honor is due
Showing appreciation for those who shepherd — in any way — the church of God.
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Special days are tricky for Churches of Christ. Given our insistence on biblical precedent, we are often leery of nonbiblical traditions, particularly special days. Our tradition of being nontraditional once created tension around Christmas and Easter.
October is “Pastor Appreciation Month,” which puts us in a double bind. We’ve spent lots of time defending our use of the term “preacher” while reserving “pastor” for those who meet a particular qualifications (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-2).
Related: Editorial: Viewing ministry not as a career but as a calling
Every year around the Super Bowl, someone forwards me the meme saying, “You should be as excited about church as you are about the Super Bowl. So when your pastor makes a really good point this Sunday, pour Gatorade over his head.” I proudly remind them that we use “pastor” in reference to “elders,” and I gladly offer to help fill the coolers.
Yet we must admit that all faithful ministers serve some function of protecting, feeding and mending the “flock.” Some call this “shepherding” or “pastoring.” Jesus, though unmarried and childless, was called the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4).
Related: Hear from Mike Cope on the state of preachers and preaching in Churches of Christ in Episode 24 of The Christian Chronicle Podcast.
Rather than quibble over titles and terms for now, we are better served by truly appreciating those who shepherd — in any way — the church of God. Their work is not easy. Research consistently shows high levels of depression, loneliness and burnout among church leaders. They are people, too, with their own struggles.
They sit in hospitals beside families waiting and praying for healing. They worry for our kids, just as we do. They mourn the passing of members even while searching to comfort the congregation. They wrestle with Scripture, trying to discern God’s will for all those hot-button issues. And they desperately fight to “maintain the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace” in the midst of strong personalities, cultural pressures and political tensions threatening to divide God’s people.
The difference is, they do not have the luxury of simply processing these things quietly and in private.
Sammie Berry presents the Living Legend Award to James O. Maxwell in Dallas earlier this year. Maxwell, a longtime minister and administrator at Southwestern Christian College, was honored at a citywide lectureship.
James warned, “Not many of you should become teachers … for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (3:1). And the author of Hebrews said leaders “will give an account” (13:17). With varying gifts, training and abilities, these leaders accept the call to “watch over our souls.” Some do it as their primary vocation. Others do so voluntarily, with the same level of commitment and accountability.
We don’t know who officially declared this “Pastor Appreciation” month (though I suspect Hallmark or Mardel has a hand in it). But Scripture is clear: “Pay honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). If anyone is deserving, surely it is our leaders: pastors, preachers, deacons, teachers, God’s ministers of every descriptive title and task.
“Scripture is clear: ‘Pay honor to whom honor is due’ (Romans 13:7). If anyone is deserving, surely it is our leaders: pastors, preachers, deacons, teachers, God’s ministers of every descriptive title and task.”
Buy them a card. Take them to lunch. Give them a gift. Better yet, pray for them continually that their work might be done with joy.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7).
