This is Pastor Appreciation Month. There was a time when Pastors were appreciated because of their title. They were called Reverend because they were revered. They were called Brother because they were loved. No more. Because of the abusive actions of a few, and the investigative desires of many, today\u2019s pastors must prove themselves before they are appreciated. As one who has served as an Interim Pastor in more than twenty churches, I have seen the \u201ccalling\u201d process take longer and longer, often including intensive background checks and painful question and answer sessions, often before the entire congregation. We no longer deeply respect the position. Now we thoroughly evaluate the person. Is this what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the believers in Thessalonica, \u201cAnd we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work\u2019s sake\u201d (I Thessalonians 5:12-13). To \u201crecognize\u201d means to appreciate, to have a regard and respect for. Who they were is not mentioned. It is evident however, that the church was not left without appointed persons to minister to it. They were there \u201cin the Lord\u201d; called, gifted, and appointed. They did not take this position for themselves, nor were they appointed by men, but they were made able ministers by God. Christian ministers, who proclaim the whole truth, and labor in the service to others, are entitled to more than simply respect. They are to be \u201cesteemed\u201d abundantly \u201cin love\u201d. But, if Pastors are to be appreciated these days, they have to earn it, \u201cfor their work\u2019s sake.\u201d It no longer goes with the title. Sad, but true.<\/p>\n
Join me this week in praying for the following global concerns:
\n\u2022 Pray for global Pastors who have earned the respect and love of congregations, and for those who are still working on it.
\n\u2022 Pray for Tim and Elisa who have completed their training and now head to their new field of service.
\n\u2022 Pray for Robert and Donna as they return to their \u201csecond home\u201d in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
\n\u2022 Pray for Bob and Carol whose new church, Converge International Fellowship, began in Darmstadt, Germany on October 7.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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