Daye by Daye

Celebrate His Strengths~ Way 7

 

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to 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

For the first 18 years of my life, I had the same pastor (my Dad!). During my college years, I attended several different churches as well as sitting under the teaching of many professors/pastors. The first thirteen years of married life, my husband served as a youth pastor/associate pastor at three different churches. For the past three years, my husband has been the pastor at our church.

One thing I have learned is that every pastor has different strengths (and weaknesses!). There are certain expectations or criteria for pastors that are biblical. In Titus 1:6-8, it is clear that a pastor (or elder) is to be above reproach. Verse 9 says, “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” I Timothy 3 describes similar qualifications with the overarching theme of “above reproach”.

Once these qualifications are met, it is important to understand that every pastor will carry out their duties differently based on the personality, the skill set and the strengths they have been given. When I think of all of the pastors who have impacted my life, these strengths come to mind.

• Faithful Servant
• Shepherd
• Bold
• Compassionate
• Wise
• Humble
• Passionate
• Compelling

While each pastor had specific strengths, they all looked different from one another. The problem that often arises among church members is an expectation of pastors to have ALL of these strengths in equal measure. One of the quickest ways to hurt your pastor is to compare him to another.

 

For the past year, the Daye family has been focusing on the theme of “Celebrate More, Compare Less”. We have been seeking to apply this to every relationship we have. It was born out of my concern for the way my children struggled to celebrate with their siblings when one would get something and the others would not. It also came from my own struggle of wanting what others had instead of being content with where I am at and what I have been given. We have been on a quest to celebrate more and compare less. What I have discovered is that this way of living brings great joy.

As I write about appreciating our pastors, it hits me that this attitude has the potential to really make a difference. Celebrating others changes our perspective. We are able to truly appreciate who God has made the other person to be instead of expecting them to be someone they are not. And when someone feels celebrated and appreciated, they often rise to the challenge and live up to their potential. It is a beautiful thing.

What are your pastor’s strengths? If you could describe him with one overarching quality, what would it be?

Now go and celebrate THAT!

 

Way 7: Celebrate your Pastor’s strengths