Many church members are encouragers to their pastors. In return, pastors can be a blessing to their saints in many ways. As we have conversed with church members across America, we have heard 10 common themes or requests they have of their pastors:
1. “I love you.” They want to know that you pastors love them in good times and challenging times. They want to know you really care for the sheep God has entrusted to you.
“I would love for God to give me a long-term ministry here.” Church members desire for you to perceive your church as more than a steppingstone to the next church. Though they don’t expect you to commit to a lifetime there, they are weary of the one- to three-year pastorates.
3. “I will provide clear leadership for you.” Church members would like to know you are truly leading them. And they want to know where you are leading them.
4. “I will listen.” They want to know you care enough about them to hear what they have to say. They want to know you truly value input and different perspectives.
5. “I will communicate clearly and often.” Church members don’t want to wonder what’s happening in the church. They desire ongoing communication and transparency.
6. “I will be a praying pastor.” Church members desire for their pastors to be in regular and prayerful fellowship with God. They want to know you are leading in God’s power and not your own.
7. “I will focus on preaching.” They understand the importance of the preaching of the Word. They want to know you have put hours of prayer and preparation into your message so they can truly understand what God is saying in Scripture.
8. “I will share my faith.” Most evangelistic churches have an evangelistic pastor. Most church members will follow the lead of their pastors. They want to do as you do more than do as you say.
9. “I will care for you.” Most church members are reasonable. They know you cannot be present nor should you be present for every ministry need. But they want to know you care for them, hurt for them and pray for them.
10. “I will not show favoritism.” Church members sometimes see pastors demonstrating preference toward some church members over others. It grieves and hurts members to see pastors catering to the cliques, the big givers and the power brokers.
Thom S. Rainer is the president of LifeWay Christian Resources. For the original article, visit thomrainer.com.