Pastors aren’t perfect. But they do have one of the toughest jobs in the world. I know most of you reading this will love your pastor. I know most of you respect your pastor. But you may not know how you can best help your pastor. So below are some do's and dont's, I hope they help.
What Not to Do
1. Don’t criticize or make critical suggestions to the pastor unless you have spent much time in prayer over the matter. Pastors have to deal with criticisms every week. It drains them. Also, don’t criticize the pastor’s family.
2. Don’t ask the pastor to make announcements right before the worship service. He needs to be focused on his sermon. Similarly, don’t say other things to him that may distract him before he preaches.
3. Don’t tell your pastor how he compares to other pastors.
4. Don’t expect the pastor to be at all the church events and functions you think he should attend.
5. Don’t expect the pastor to be the primary pastoral care giver to all members, their relatives, their distant relatives, and the rest of the community within a 30-mile radius.
What to Do
1. Do pray for your pastor. Send him an email/letter to let him know you are praying for him.
2. Do encourage your pastor. He needs it because he’s human, and he needs it to balance the criticisms he hears.
3. Do work with the leadership of the church to make certain the pastor is getting sufficient rest, time off, and family time. Most pastors are on 24/7 call.
4. Do encourage the rest of the church to take on pastoral care responsibility, particularly through small groups. The pastor should be the primary care giver for the most urgent and serious of needs. The rest of the church should do the bulk of the ministry.
5. Do be faithful to the ministry of the church. Few things encourage a pastor as much as committed people.
