Surprise!
To celebrate my 20th ordination anniversary in 2003, my congregation invited seminary and family friends to surprise me during worship, followed by a catered meal and good-natured “roast.” I’m writing this e-mail on the laptop computer given to me as a gift on that occasion.
When a pastor is installed, the congregation
routinely promises to “pray for, help and honor him/her for his/her
work’s sake, and in all things strive to live together in the peace and
unity of Christ” (Occasional Services, page 226).
In
the first blush of a new pastorate, that promise is made with sincerity
and joy but also with little thought to its practical application. As
time goes on, members or councils may wonder how they can “help and
honor” their pastor (or other professional leader/staff member). Help
and honor certainly include working cooperatively with the pastor and
speaking respectfully to and of him/her. But the words imply more.
Today’s
church members are far too aware and sophisticated to think that a
pastor only works Sunday mornings. In fact, most people know the
ministry is 24/7 and at times requires extraordinary dedication. The
pastor does more than what is expected because of a love of God and a
love for people. A person won’t last long in ministry without caring
for the people being served.
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© 2013 Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
