"It's Jesus at the Door!"

One day, my pastor-husband, Bob, stopped by to see a family from our congregation. When he knocked, the couple's preschool daughter opened the door.

"Who is it?" her mother called from another room.

"It's Jesus!" came the child's excited response.

While they had a good chuckle, the incident illustrates a misunderstanding many adults demonstrate too. They act as though their pastor lives in a room behind the platform and is immune to the struggles of daily life, coming out only on Sundays and Wednesday evenings to conduct services.

In truth, pastors are human too. They are called of God to be shepherds of the flock God has put under their care, but Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. Only He is perfect. Pastors strive to be like Jesus, but none of us will become entirely perfect until we are in eternity with Jesus.

"Pastor" is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, along with the gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, teacher, administration, giving, helps, hospitality, wisdom, etc. The Holy Spirit calls and gifts people as He chooses.

Being a pastor is a holy calling, but so are all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. All Christians are called by God to exercise the gifts He has given them for the growth of His kingdom on earth.

I grew up in a family of pastors. My husband and I pastored churches for more than 35 years. I know from experience that pastors face the same challenges, trials, and struggles as any other member of the congregation. And they feel your highs and lows as well as their own. They need rest, relaxation, and time with their families just as you do.

Pastors need people to come alongside and hold up the hands that grow weary just as Aaron and Hur held up Moses' tired hands in the battle with the Amalekites (see Exodus 17:8-16). Only as pastors and congregations pull together can the Church prevail against the onslaught of Satan.

The month of October is set aside as Pastor Appreciation Month. How can you help and encourage your pastor not only this month but all year?