Joe wore a red devil’s costume for his co worker’s costume party. As he drove through the countryside, one could see lightening and hear thunder, but Joe kept on driving and soon found himself lost. At last, he saw a building with lights on inside. Joe recognized it as a church and went up to the front door to ask for directions. As soon as he came to the front door, the wind blew the door open and there was a sudden flash of lightening and clash of thunder. Everyone in the church looked at the red devil figure at the doorway and filled with fear scrambled out of the place. Except Martha, who looked at Joe and she stated, “Mr. Devil I’ve been a member of this church for seventy-five years, but in all that time I’ve really been on your side.”

One may smile at that story, but I know a few church workers who feel they are dealing with members like Martha. Whatever they attempt to do in the church, they find anger and opposition. Even in the early church there were those who opposed the Apostle’s work. Much of St. Paul’s work involved dealing with conflict in the church.

Tenderhearted and Forgiving

In dealing with conflict, I encourage one to follow St. Paul’s words, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children (Ephesians 4;32-5:1). Paul wrote these words to guide us on how to treat one another as God’s forgiven children in Christ. This is true for all church members, but especially for how we treat those who have been called by God to share the good news with us.

While pastors and other church workers will deal with conflict at times in their ministries, there are ways we, who sit in the pew, can care for these servants of the Lord and help make their ministry a joyful service.

Sharing Encouragement

The following are ten ways for individuals to provide care for those who are in professional church work.

1. Pray for them. St. Paul says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf” (Romans 15:30).

2. Invite your pastor/church worker out for coffee, lunch or dinner. At such times, make the conversation more than just talking about “work” items. Get to know the church worker’s interests, hobbies and family.
3. Attend church faithfully, join a Bible study, and participate in events put on by these workers. These workers are God’s gift to the church to help God’s people grow in their faith through the study of God’s word.
4. Speak well of them and defend them when others wish to tear them down. When you have a disagreement or an issue with the church worker/pastor speak to them. God’s word states, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:17).Instead of complaining about the pastor/church worker, church members need to take the time to visit with the worker about their concerns. This is especially true with pastors and church workers who are just beginning in the ministry.
5. Invite the church worker to go fishing, golfing, to attend a concert or a movie, or some other activity that the worker might like to do.
6. Invite them to join you for special events like a Super Bowl or Halloween party.
7. Remember their birthdays and anniversaries. This can be a simple card in the mail or stopping by and wishing them a “happy birthday”.
8. Offer to care for their children so the church worker and spouse could have a night out.
9. Support the church worker financially with your offering and if possible, some special gift for them at Christmas, or their birthday.
10. Recognize them and their ministry when you have those opportunities. For example, the month of October is not only about Halloween and the Reformation, but it is also Pastor Appreciation Month. This month gives church members and congregations a special opportunity to recognize their pastor and other professional church workers. (Hint: a gift card to a restaurant or a cash gift are wonderful ways to say, “We appreciate you!”)

On God’s Side

There are many more ways to demonstrate your care for your pastor and professional church workers, but the best way is to be forgiving, tenderhearted and kind to one another. In this way, others will know you are on God’s side.

The joy of Christ be with you always!

Lutheran Family Service equips individuals and communities with Christ-centered, life-changing tools, resources, and hope to meet the challenges they are facing through Congregational Services and Church Worker Wellness.

Our church needs healthy workers. Lutheran Family Service knows the importance of proactive wellness and encourages church workers to prioritize mental health just as much as physical health. We have years of experience serving church workers in LCMS congregations and schools. If your congregation, yourself, or a church worker you know would benefit from the support of Lutheran Family Service, refer to or contact us today.

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