The Session: Helping the Pastor’s Spouse

Lord of peace, may You give our pastor(s) and their families peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16).

Support your spouse without being

the assistant pastor.

1. Be a loving, supportive spouse

2. Do not neglect the training of your children.

3. Take care of your home.

The Unique Challenges

· Living under constant scrutiny

· Unrealistic expectations

· Perfect social behavior

· Thorough knowledge of the Bible

· Attendance at all meetings

· Ready entertainer

· Spiritual giant

The Unique Circumstances

· Limited finances

· The demands of church members

· Loneliness

· Absent Spouse

How to Succeed As a Pastor’s Spouse

· Love and accept yourself.

· Concentrate on being the best you can be.

· Have realistic expectations of yourself.

· Build your own spiritual life.

· Work on self-improvement.

· Love and accept your spouse.

· Try to understand your spouse’s ministry.

· Decide on what you are comfortable doing in your church.

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: Celebrating the Success of your Pastor

1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV): “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”

Celebration suggestions

Write a letter. Handwritten is best! For example:

We are grateful for your leadership and the love you show through your service. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. Your dedication to the Lord's work touches our hearts. Thank you for being our shepherd and always guiding us towards God's love.

It would be very important to celebrate your pastors, preaching style and the enthusiasm and love that they present God’s word in.

Another example, if your pastor helped you or someone else you know:

Thanks for your help with [specific action or situation]. I really appreciate all of your hard work. You've been so helpful with [specific action or situation]. Thanks

Have a church potluck in their honor

• Possibly have people lined up ahead of time to honor the Pastor after the meal
• It is possible to have no cards at each table setting that would say one thing I appreciate about the Pastor is…

Start a prayer chain of having people sign up to pray for the pastor(s) for a week.

Start an email chain of celebrating the pastor all month. Maybe talk to the church office manager about sending out emails to the church.

Other Ideas:

Through the years of ministry, the pastor suffers from the spiritual attacks by the enemy on their emotions and well-being. It is important to encourage them in their life outside of leading the church. We should encourage them to take care of themselves and acknowledge the success of their family and their life.

• Let them know what a great job they’ve done in their marriage
• Equally important is to let them know how great they have been as a parent
• Find something that is special in them to acknowledge and celebrate. As an example. Your pastor may have a great way of greeting you that is heartwarming. Take time to acknowledge that.
• Let them know that they do a great job of leadership of the staff and church members
• It might sound odd, but celebrate them by sending them on a sabbatical?

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: A Pastor’s Struggles Part 2

“7 Struggles of Ministry That Aren’t Talked About Enough” by Stephan Cote

You Have Doubts About God

• Doubting Thomas wanted evidence for his beliefs. He was known for I won’t believe it unless I see the Neal ones in his hands and put my fingers into them and place my hand into the wound in his side. (John 20:25) Sarah didn’t believe she could get pregnant, Mary, mother of Jesus, doubted an angel (Luke 1:34)
• Confusing devotion in vocation you allow your job is a pastor take over your personal devotional life. Your time in the Bible is more for a Bible study or sermon than it is your own charging of your battery.
• Pastoral Stress Levels Are Off The Charts 75% of Pastor’s report being extremely stressed or highly stressed

Tight finances, emotional turmoil, and long hours are all stress factors for the Pastor. Carrying a stressful load that was not yours in the first place.

• Pastors Find It hard to deal with the 3’ G’s: Girls, Gold and Glory

57% of pastors and 64% youth pastors report porn use.

Affairs, both physical and emotional, Accountability partners, and computer

filters are very important.

• Feeling Alone

Easy pray for the enemy when you find yourself low and in a dry spirit to

stay. Support groups or counselor or mentor or a coach can be very helpful.

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.