How to Minister to Your Minister, Part III

Is your minister's tank full or running on empty?

Have you ever read Gary Chapman's book, "The Five Love Languages?"

In it he proposes that each person has an emotional tank that can be filled with fuel -- love, appreciation, etc.
Sometimes our love tank is full to the brim and we are supercharged and ready to go.
Other times, our love tank is depleted and we are sputtering and stalling out.

He proposes that there are five languages people use to communicate love:

1. Gifts
2. Quality time
3. Words of affirmation
4. Acts of service
5. Physical touch

I would like to propose that church members should do these five things for their pastors and for each other on a regular basis in order to keep everyone's love tanks full to overflowing.

I think we would see a lot less burn-out.

I think we would see a lot  more effective ministry from the minister and from the church body.

So how can you do these five things specifically for your pastor? 

1. Gifts
   This doesn't have to be something extravagant. More than anything, it is the thought that counts.
   For instance, we love it when someone goes on a business trip or on a vacation and brings us something back because they saw it and were reminded of us.
   We love the random gifts of cookies or homemade bread.
   Sometimes people offer to let us use their cabin or a condo someplace nice.
   It seems like there is always a book he has had his eye on.
   Or what about giving a donation to a local mission or charity in his name. Make sure to let him know about it, though.
   Taking him out to dinner or having him over for home cooking is a great idea because it also involves...
2. Quality time
   This is where you enjoy each other just for the sake of enjoyment.
   You aren't asking for anything.
   There's no ulterior motive.
   This could be casual conversation, going to a movie or a game together, playing golf, discussing a favorite book....
3. Words of affirmation
   I wish I knew how many encouraging cards we have gotten throughout the years. This is a tried and true method to affirm your pastor.
   Sometimes, though, it's pretty cool to tell other people how much you love and appreciate your pastor. Every so often those words make it back to him when he needs them the most.
   Sometimes, too, its nice to get a phone call or a text from someone who doesn't want anything -- who just wants to say hey and that they are praying for you.  
4. Acts of service
   Wash his car.
   Mow his lawn.
   Go visit someone in the hospital for him.
   Offer to teach his Sunday School class for him.
   Take his kids or grand-kids out for ice cream.
   Do something nice for his family. (I think this is Scriptural -- it pleases him when you minister to those precious to him.)
5. Physical touch
   Now this is a little touchy -- pun intended.
   In today's world, you have to be a bit careful about this.
   I think it is safe to say that a good, warm handshake is widely acceptable even today.
   But if your minister is a hugger, then by all means hug him -- often.
   Pat him on the back, literally.
   There's just something about that human touch that is affirming and encouraging.
   Just use good common sense in the touch department.

So there you have it -- three days of ideas regarding how to let your pastor know how much you love and appreciate him.
Don't assume he automatically knows.
He needs to hear it, see it, feel it, touch it, experience it.

Let me know how it goes!