Do You "Service" Your Minister?

In February 2012 I wrote this article which appeared in The Congregationalist magazine.

When did you last service your minister?

Before reading this article any further please take a moment to consider what you get serviced or maintained regularly.  If you own a car it is probable that to ensure it continues to function efficiently you will get it serviced at least annually.  If you own a house you probably get the outside painted periodically and invest money on the interior so that it continues to provide you with a warm and comfortable environment and does not fall apart.  Of course, such programmes of maintenance make sense.  After all, you will have probably invested quite a lot of money on such assets.

Now take a moment to think about your minister.  He or she is probably the greatest asset your church has.  Considerable money has probably been spent in training him or her so that you can benefit from his or her ministry.  Churches need to regularly review how well they are looking after this asset.  Are there any signs of stress?  Is the stipend sufficient or could something be done about that.  I have known some churches where ministers are expected to work for less than the official minimum wage, yet they have church members enjoying much higher incomes.

What about time for themselves and their families?  Do they have regular time off just for recreation?  Do you ensure that they are able to have at least one decent holiday each year?

Finally, what do you do to encourage your minister in further professional development?  When did you last send your minister to an educational conference or on a course?  In almost every profession such in-service training is expected to ensure competence.  If it has been more than three years since you invested in your minister in this way it has been far too long in my opinion.  If you want to bless the one who seeks to bless you please consider these things.

I have been immensely privileged at my churches to be treated admirably without having to ask.  Most ministers are reluctant to make financial claims.  Indeed some go to conferences at their own expense because they know that they need some regular input but dare not raise this at a Deacons Meeting or Church Meeting!  Occasionally I hear stories of outstanding care of ministers, but more often I am aware that this is not the case.

So please, if you value your assets please ensure they are all kept in good working order.  Is it time to service your minister?