What traits have you appreciated in your pastors?
I’ve always appreciated pastors who are willing to share their struggles and foibles with the congregation. By modeling humility they create an ethos of openness in the congregation.
What about you? What traits have you admired in your pastors?
I have seen a few pastors that I’ve highly respected who were on fire for God so much that they would pastor, preach and teach and counsel 7 days a week while working a full time job. These men weren’t drawing a salary from the church, but were working to pay their own salaries and answering God’s call to spread the gospel and make disciples of men. They were shepherds, not for the money, not for the fame, but to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and His children.
@ Bob – Pastors deserve their pay. A pastor can do a much better job of pastoring if they are paid for just doing that. I feel sorry for pastors that also have to do that and work another job full time.
Our pastor is absolutely amazing and works very, very hard. He does not get paid much considering the hours and hours he works. I am super thankful for him and all that he does for God. Especially preaching tough messages not ones that we want to hear.
Nothing better than a pastor who can be led by the Spirit, and hear from God.
While I see that there is a comment on here that “Pastors deserve their pay” it needs to be pointed out what the Apostle Paul said: “Now I consider myself in no way inferior to the “super-apostles.” Though untrained in public speaking, I am certainly not [untrained] in knowledge. Indeed, we have always made that clear to you in everything. Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by taking pay [from them] to minister to you. When I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have kept myself, and will keep myself, from burdening you in any way. As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do! (2 Corinthians 11:5-11)” Notice what Paul is saying here, he felt he felt he was robbing the church by taking pay from them. He felt it better to do so free of charge. Why? Did Jesus ever preach for pay or did Jesus live his life serving others or himself? This is what Paul is alluding back to. Paul realized he did a terrible thing by persecuting Christians and he realized he was most likely going to die that same way. What better way to live your life: “as a ransom for many,” paying the price for others, like a drink offering, being found holy and pleasing to God, the Father. If only I lived my life in this way myself. In fact if a church supplied for my needs it won’t be because I “deserve” it but because they see how much I truly love them, laying my motives down so they can be blessed.
If the role of the pastor is not only to preach sermons and teach, but also to care for the members of the congregation, even a small congregation of 50 people, I believe, should be enough to keep a pastor busy the whole week.
Preparing for sermons, bible studies etc., I assume would take a lot of time. How about spending time studying the scripture, other reading., What about time spent with individuals, families., tending them., the sick etc.,
I believe it would be highly impossible for a person to hold a full time job and still be a pastor. He could be a preacher., or a teacher, or even occasionally counsel people. But is he someone who is there for a church member whenever he is in need.. any time of the day/night..? I don’t think that would be possible if he were to hold another job.
It wouldn’t do justice to the secular job, nor the job of being a ‘Pastor’.
Paul was a tentmaker and he worked to probably take care of his needs (Acts 18:3). But, when Silas and Timothy joined him Paul took a break and committed himself to preaching and testifying (Acts 18:5). As long as the needs were met, he didn’t bother too much about whether he was working or not. Let’s say if he continued to work, what would the reason be? To make more money to save up? Or to live a better life? Or to rise up the social ladder? No. these things did not bother Paul since that was not his mission. His goal in life was to preach Christ. And that’s what he did.
A worker is worth his wages.,
However, I do not agree with people who are not busy through the week, not doing what they are supposed to be doing as pastors, but depend on the church for a full-time salary. I would call these men as part time-pastors and would do them good to take up jobs, which will make them more honorable. The church can still pay them part-time salaries.
The money that comes into the church need not necessarily be spent on the expenses of the particular church only. It also belongs to missions. For outreach., to bring lost souls to the Kingdom of God.
Some churches also save up more than required, while they should be sowing it…(The parable of talents: Matt 25:25)., but this is another discussion….
Correct me if I’m thinking wrong..
i appreciate my pastor his name IS papa Adonis Kababa, is a powerful man of God with the way he preach the message of God to us,that is so amazing the messages that he has been preaching to us , has brought changes into our lives. may God Bless him and his family. amen
I appreciate pastors who actually work to draw people to Christ rather than to themselves. I appreciate pastors who are shepherds rather than administrators. I appreciate pastors who acknowledge the grand church, the greater family of God, instead of pretending that their own flock are the “only ones who are saved.” I appreciate pastors who are not above reproach, who are open and honest about their own struggles with sin and doubt. I appreciate pastors who don’t project a front of being perfect. I appreciate pastors who are graceful in their speech, rather than controlling or bossy. I appreciate pastors who are not legalists, but are rather full of the Holy Spirit. Most of all, I appreciate pastors who believe the Bible and live and preach a Biblical world view.
Great comment Michael, well worded and so true.
I appreciate Pastors who are humble, who live out what they preach.