Pastoral Appreaciation

Sometimes pastors are the loneliest people in the church. Often their hours are long, time spent with their families short and the criticism and negativity is often considerable and constant.

Feelings of disappointment, discouragement, and defeat may begin to plague the best of them. Paul’s admonition to “serve one another in love”(Gal. 5:13) should encourage us to remember our shepherd. Here are a few ways that we can make Bishop Spears job and life better:

– Cut the criticism
– Squelch the gossip
– Love and respect the Bishop and his family all the time
– Respect the calling that God has placed on his life
– Leaders in the church must be found faithful to their tasks and upholding the Bishop’s ministry and vision
– Encourage Bishop to have and keep a family day
– Provide a love offering
– Tell Bishop when he has ministered to your needs
– Express appreciation to him after a sermon or helpful lesson with a note or a few kind words
– Be openly responsive
– Realize that Bishop is not perfect
– Don’t add to his workload because you are unwilling to carry your share
– Offer to meet a need in the ministry
– Use your skills to bless the ministry
– Send Bishop a message of encouragement, love, and support

Constantly pray for Bishop,… ask God to grant Bishop Spears:
– Insight into scripture and an understanding of how it applies to people today
– Protection from the work of the devil
– A soft but firm heart in the face of abrasive and abusive people
– Continued personal spiritual growth
– A successful ministry – however, God defines success in his life
– Boldness to speak the truth, and grace to speak it with humility
– That God would persevere Bishop through whatever trials he may be facing
– That his children will grow up with a positive impression of church ministry
– That he would remain pure, and that his love for his wife would increase daily
– Favor, blessings and a long productive fruitful life