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RENDEZVOUS

But Who Cares for the Shepherd?

by Bev Paulson, Lolo Community Church

Now ‘tis true, we who sit in the pew may not feel the need to be coddled and spiritually basking on a tropical island, but most of us do pretty much expect our pastor/Under-Shepherd to care for us. Right? In a family or personal health crisis, we expect the pastor to know and respond, even if we didn’t call him. And they seem happy to do so.

But who cares for these shepherds when they are hurting or overwhelmed with circumstances? Who is the pastor’s pastor?

And for an even bleaker picture, to whom does the pastor’s wife turn? Like a cartoon wife to a clerically-garbed husband states, "I’d come to you with a problem--but, honey, you are the problem!"

In recent years it has finally become fashionable to have a "Pastor’s Appreciation Day," but that isn’t until October. That’s great, but what about today? Who remembered to send the pastor and his wife a Valentine’s Day card or an anniversary card? What’s wrong with a "Nuttin’ Special" card?

Mission churches dot across the Western Montana landscape. Isolated. Small. Sometimes clannish. How can you, personally, move your congregation, your community, to better acceptance of your pastors and their families? Why wait a prescribed umpty-ump years? What have they to prove to the community at large?

Consider this a tiny mental joggle. Make room for your pastor and his wife and children to succeed. Why not be their finest cheerleader, prayer warrior, and best of all—friend?

If you need a suggestion, call the opposite spouse. "Pastor, what may I do/give your wife that would meet a secret longing?" Do you know their hobbies or how they prefer to spend any free time? Can you personally free them for "couple" time?

You may not be able to send your pastor to a vacation in Florida, but you can make a surprise dinner or send a dinner certificate to a local restaurant. You might even volunteer to substitute one of his non-preaching roles—can you drive a bus for him? Is he looking for a pianist for church or the nursing home? What need does he express? Listen closely. Become a student of your pastor. Actively care for him.