Lay people are so cool. They give up their time to help the church with no hope of being compensated for their efforts. However, it would be wrong to assume that pastors should work and work and work till their beyond exhausted just because they’re paid. Being a pastor, especially a lead pastor, is incredibly stressful, and the holidays only compound it.
Recently, I called upon pastors to be active in showing thankfulness for their tech teams, but I think it’s very appropriate for the tech team to show thanks for their pastoral staff. Again, just because a pastor is paid doesn’t mean that the pay equals the effort expended. I know many pastors who put in far more hours than they are truly compensated for, which is to say nothing of how undervalued a pastor’s skill set is in the Church. Many of the ministers I know have skill sets and work ethics that could net them much higher salary and benefits packages in the secular world, and yet they sacrifice their earning potential in order to obey and glorify God. No wonder Paul says that ministers are worthy of “double honor” (1Timothy 5:17).
Now that we understand why we should appreciate our pastors, let’s look at two ways the tech team specifically can appreciate their pastors.
Double Down on Service
As we’ve stated numerous times and as we no doubt know from experience, November 1 through January 2 is a crazy time for churches. There’s a ton of hustle and bustle to make holiday ministry work. Pastors are often stretched to their breaking points at home and work. Many times it’s their desire to do something “special” for the holidays, but there tend to be two major roadblocks: 1) a lack of ideas and 2) a lack of help.
Here’s where the tech team can help.
“Special” stuff for the holidays almost always involves technology, and one of the greatest sources of problem-solving logic-fueld power is concentrated in the tech team. Why not offer your problem-solving services? Volunteer some ideas for how to technologically engage the church in holiday-focused ministry. Take on the extra work that special Christmas services require with gladness. I mean, it’s not like you’re being asked to give up a kidney! You’re being honored with the chance to help spread the good news of Christmas. That’s awesome!
Give Gifts; Give Love
Beyond showing appreciation to the pastor by offering up yourself and/or your team as holiday co-laborers, there are other, more…shall we say…fiscal…ways to bless them. Gift cards, for one, are a great way to say “thanks” without breaking the bank; however, there may be a better, more tech-specific way to bless your pastor fiscally.
Let me ask you this: is your pastor still trying to type sermons on an old, worn-out Dell? Maybe you’re tech team—teamed up with other teams or maybe your church board—can find a way to raise some funds to bless your pastor with an iPad or even a MacBook Air? Is your pastor still packing a flip phone? Maybe it’s time to help him or her upgrade to a nice smart phone.
The point isn’t to just spend tons of money on your pastor because, honestly, you may not have it. The point is to use your finely-honed tech skills to identify a way to bless your pastor that others might not see.
Remember, fellow church techs, you are a key member of the church’s laity. You serve the church and God through your work, but you also serve your pastor. He or she is your shepherd, your leader. Thank them for their leadership in a well thought-out way.
What have you done in the past to bless your pastor?
Do you have plans to do the same this year?
Speak your mind...