Letters To Pastors

Letters to Pastors

Lysa TerKeurst

I recently shared part of my story during the weekend services at my home church. It was one of the biggest honors of my life. And my biggest takeaway? I don’t know how pastors do it. Honest to goodness, I don’t.

Sitting in the front row as the worship song concluded and the moment drew closer for me to step on stage, my heart became more and more desperate for Jesus to come back. Right now. Rapture? Hello? God? Please?

But no rapture came. And soon there I was in front of my home church, sweating like a toad on a hot tin roof. If toads sweat. I have no idea. And I’m way too tired to Google it. Anyhow.

Even though I speak for a living, there is something very different about speaking at my home church. I felt a weight of responsibility. I felt it in my heart. I felt it in my soul. I felt it in my brain.

And I thought to myself: How does my pastor do this every week? How does he craft a new sermon, get comfortable with that completely new material, carry the weight of responsibility, feel the anxiety of walking up on that platform, deliver a timed message in tune with the Holy Spirit, and then do it in multiple services during that same weekend? And. Then. Do. It. All. Again. Next. Weekend.

Seriously.

And when I was finished speaking, I sat down and decided I was going to write my pastor a letter. A letter to tell him how much I appreciate what he does and how much he sacrifices each and every week.

So I was thinking, maybe this would be a good thing for us to do together. Let’s pull out a piece of stationery or a card, and write our pastor some words of encouragement in a thank-you note. And if we happen to know what the pastor’s favorite restaurant is, and we’re able, let’s send along a gift card so our pastor can take his or her spouse out for dinner. Spouses carry the weight too. In a big way. As a matter of fact, let’s write them a note of thanks as well.

Just as Paul urged the Thessalonians to esteem those working for the Lord, might I encourage you to do so today? Our pastors and their spouses work hard each week. Let’s send a little love their way!

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift You’ve given my pastor to teach and preach Your precious Word. Please show me specific ways to encourage my pastor today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

Esteem those working for the Lord.

REFLECT

When it comes to how you think about your pastor and his or her spouse, do you ever think/speak critical thoughts? What would change in your church experience if you instead chose to pray encouraging prayers for them?

RESPOND

Write your pastor a thank-you note today.

POWER VERSES

Hebrews 3:13; 1 Timothy 5:17