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?
