On his blog, Ron Edmonson lists five things parishioners should do for their pastors and five things they should avoid doing during the Christmas season:Do:
>Pray for them during the holidays (and always)-- This is an especially stressful time for ministers
>Let them off the hook from attending every social event-- They simply can't keep up
>Invite them to your social, without an expectation that he or she will come-- They will love knowing you thought of them
>See if they have specific needs at the holidays-- Many ministers, especially in smaller churches have a hard time financially at Christmas time
>Encourage them-- People in ministry get tons of critics. Find some time to encourage one.
Don't:
>Expect them to be everywhere-- It's impossible
>Be disappointed when they can’t make your event-- It's probably nothing personal
>Make them feel guilty when they aren't where you want them to be-- They WILL take it personal and it will weigh heavy on their heart
>Hold them to a higher standard than is realistic – They are simply human
>Get upset when they don't sing your favorite Christmas carol at church this season-- Believe me…it happens…
Ron's entire post can be read here.
What do you think? Please feel free to add to either list in the comments.
2 comments:
Good words!
It's the favorite Christmas Carol thing that always got me. It didn't help that we Episcopalians are known for our minor key Advent hymns while everyone else was singing joyful carols. That aside, it seemed that there were as many favorite carols as there were people in church, and one of them came home with me to continue the interrogation about why her favorite carol was not sung that day.
CP
Post a Comment