We need you to help us brainstorm. We need your concrete suggestions, wild ideas, proven techniques and creative thoughts. Christian Leaders and their families are generally isolated and untouched by those they serve. Our expectations are high for pastors, their wives and their children. Our day to day service to them is usually inconsistent, small or nonexistent. What concrete, creative, tangible things can be done to love them, give them grace, and meet their needs? HELP us HELP them!
We need you, whoever you are, inside or outside the professional ministry to think prayerfully, creatively and specifically about how to meaningfully touch the lives of Christian Leaders and their families. The next step is easy. Share your thoughts with us. Help us brainstorm. You may start as simply as asking yourself, “If I were _____________ this would make me feel better, refresh me, allow me to feel cared for, make me think I am special and leave me feeling like I matter.” If you are the child or spouse of a Christian Leader tell us what you need. If you are a Christian Leader please share simple, concrete ways we can touch your life and heart.!
Enter your suggestions for ministering to the children, spouse, or Christian Leader in the comment box below.
Pastor Bolen says
My family and I were brutalized by our first congregation, and “laid off” by the second when they decided they could no longer afford us. (BTW: I overheard two council members discussing their summer cruise vacations just after the vote to end service by a full-time pastor.) Unfortunately, in both cases, those who supported us were never around (council/voters meetings/etc.) when they could have spoken up against those who thrive on destroying congregations and their clergy. My concrete advice would be to STAND UP FOR YOUR MINISTER when the jackals are gathering and JUST BE THERE FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY! I know of several LC-MS pastors and their families who have suffered besides myself at the hands of the “clergy killers,” and in each case, there were always those who were there to confide “pastor; it’s terrible what they are doing to you!” Right now, the LC-MS is on a church worker recruitment campaign, and honestly, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. The wife of one of my most influential senior pastors just suffered through a nervous breakdown because of the shenanigans in their congregation, and I am grieved to report that she is not the only one of which I know. Bottom line: if you really care about the man whom God has sent to care for your congregation (and the souls of your fellow congregation members), have the guts to do the right thing, and rebuke satan and his minions inside the sanctuary.
Dale W says
Would love to hook up with you Gary. Glad you and others are out there in the trenches.
Tunde Taiwo says
Life could be very isolated for ministers and their families. I have been in ministry for 13 years but in my first year as a church pastor. The expectations are high here in Africa and especially for some of us ministering in Islamic threatening regions. Members have been very supportive prayerfully and in being by our side. We receive little in terms of cash but the love exhibited by the congregations so overwhelm us that we are glad God called us to serve in His vineyard. Recently, my church sponsored me as the senior pastor along with 5 other pastors and our spouses to a 3-day retreat. It was glorious.
Gary Reed says
While considering my ministry and family needs, I am reminded of what many ministry leaders tell me, “I need resources on helping people with financial needs, family needs and staff needs”. Links, e-mails and phone numbers are always easy ways to access resources, so I recommended providing the resource needs through convenient access. Thanks for your focus on ministry leaders, Gary
Dale W says
For sure Chris. Not too long ago someone slipped cash in my hand as he shook it and said, “Dale, use this to take care of yourself.” It was one of those “wow” moments when you unexpectedly look toward heaven and say thank you. The discretionary income of clergy is limited. An extra $25 for a date night is a great idea. Bless you.
Chris Hunter says
Pastors (particularly younger pastors of those of smaller congregations with potentially lower salaries) are surprised and pleased when given gift card for dinner out and $25 for childcare. It’s important for pastors and their wives to enjoy a date night. After all, congregation members can and should look up to the pastor’s marriage as an example.