More Kicks Than Kisses

Last week began with a serious spiritual kicking for reasons I am not entirely clear about, though I can hazard a couple of half decent guesses.  But by Friday, an unknown person put up two sheets on two different notice boards at church called ’20 things you should know about your pastor,’ and after Googling the title, I found it here.  That was a great encouragement to me.

On Sunday, after the church service, someone else (the same mystery pastor-loving stalker?) left this note on my desk which I have copied out below.  I don’t know the author or the article from whence it came, but it is here for your encouragement and I hope it serves to show that there are people who get the ministerial role, odd job that it is, but they do get it and they do understand, even if our role as pastors takes us to places in peoples lives where we and they wonder why on earth we even exist!

“He…gave some to be…pastors…” Ephesians 4:11

“Pastors have a tough job.  They get more kicks than kisses.

If a pastor is young he lacks experience; if he is grey haired he is too old.

If he has five kids he has too many; if he has none he’s setting a bad example.

If his wife sings in the choir she’s being forward; if not, she’s not dedicated enough.

If he preaches from notes he’s dry; if he’s extemporaneous he’s too shallow.

If he spends too much time in his study he’s neglecting his people; if he makes home visits he’s not a good time manager.

If he’s attentive to the poor he’s after public approval; if he attends to the wealthy he’s ingratiating.

If he suggests improvements he’s a dictator; if he doesn’t he has no vision.

If he uses too many illustrations he neglects the Bible; if he doesn’t use enough stories he’s unclear.

If he speaks against wrong he’s legalistic; if he doesn’t he’s a compromiser.

If he preaches for an hour he’s windy; less than that he has nothing to say.

If he preaches the truth he’s offensive; if he doesn’t he’s wishy-washy.

If he fails to please everybody he’s hurting the church; if he tries to please everybody he has no convictions.

If he preaches tithing he’s a money-grabber; if not, he’s failing to develop his people.

If he receives a large salary he’s mercenary; if he doesn’t it proves he’s not worth much.

If he preaches on a regular basis, people get tired of hearing the same person; if he invites guest preachers he’s shirking his responsibility.

How’d you like to change places?

Bottom line:  Love your Pastor.

Picture Source

To my encouragers, this meant more to me than you will ever know…….