“We’ve got spirit, yes we do. We’ve got spirit, how bout you?”
To be a spirit girl…oh so cool. Therefore, I tried out for cheerleader in high school.
After the first round, it came down to three of us vying for two available spots. They nixed Yours truly. While disappointed, honestly, the other two girls proved far better at rah-rah stuff.
And my sister, Wendi, blossomed in gymnastics classes. So she was a shoo-in for cheerleader.
But, guess what? I am cheering these days, just in a different way and for a new cause.
Appreciating Pastors
A day and an entire month occurs in October to celebrate our clergy. But I believe we celebrate ministers all year long.
And I appreciate my pastor every day.
I’m his biggest cheerleader. His cool spirit girl. It’s a place I blossom and it rocks!
It’s no secret. I’m a pastor’s wife. As duly noted in my author and speaker biographies. The title graces the pages of my story. I use the hashtag #pastorswife on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Yet, the role has become more important to me the last few years. The Lord is stirring a sense of awareness in my heart for the sanctity of callings.
[bctt tweet=”The Lord stirs a sense of awareness in our hearts for the sanctity of callings. #blog #clergy @FridayKaren” username=”inspireafire”]
Still, God’s call to ministry is never to be taken lightly. My calling or my husband’s. There was a time I downplayed the awe of it. My life was consumed with life. Cares and duties. Responsibilities and activities. Mostly secular in nature, they lobbied for my precious time and attention.
All that to say I’ve bid farewell to the world’s constant distractions. Actually, I tried before, unsuccessfully. Now my life is more about celebrating family and ministry.
I’ve resolved to stop and smell the roses. Yet, when there aren’t roses, I will stop anyway.
And cease the insanity of the hustle and bustle in life. There is a point it needs to stop or we never have the pleasure of smelling roses along the way, to appreciate and celebrate our God-given roles.
Appreciating and Celebrating Clergy
For almost twenty years my husband, Mike, served as a youth pastor. Currently he shepherds as a lead pastor. Here’s my new cheer. “I have a pastor, yes I do. I have a pastor, how bout you?”
So I’m speaking up on behalf of my husband, no matter how many social manners it breaks. Giving a shout out to Mike, and to pastors and ministers everywhere.
Think of this article as another chapter from the desk of a pastor’s wife. As you turn the page in this story, here are a few things I want you to know.
Appreciating the Duty of Care
One of the meanings for “appreciating” is to be aware of someone’s value. I appreciate my pastor, Mike, who happens to be my husband. I am fully aware of his value as my spiritual leader and the spiritual leader of Believers Church.
You see, pastors provide spiritual direction and care for the church body. Pastors give us valuable leadership and teaching in the ministry of the Word.
And pastors set the example of obedience to the mission of Christ and His Church. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” Hebrews 13:7 ESV.
Verse 17 in Hebrews goes on to implore the body of Christ to submit to our spiritual leaders for “they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” That’s some heavy-duty responsibility. One to appreciate, celebrate, and cheer on.
Appreciating Our Shepherds
Called to shepherd the flock of God, pastors exercise oversight knowing that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will be rewarded (1 Peter 5:2-4).
Pastors tenderly watch over us as a shepherd watches over his sheep.
Shepherds always keep a sheep’s best interest in mind, looking out for the sheep’s well-being.
Do you appreciate your pastor?
- The duty of care.
- His valuable leadership.
- Your pastor’s teaching and ministry of the Word.
- The shepherding.
I have a pastor, yes I do. A pastor I appreciate. How bout you?
[bctt tweet=”Dear pastors, we #celebrate and appreciate your service to the church and the Lord. #blog #clergy @FridayKaren ” username=”inspireafire”]
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