We are a little uncomfortable being a missionary…

In our churches, we have too often made missionaries into something special…super-Christians. They are able to leap a hippo-filled river in a single bound, eat exotic food without needing Tums, and fight the demonic spirits every other day.

Not even close.

The true heroes are right there in your church…your pastors. They can leap a gossip-infested aisle in a single bound, eat food at a church potluck and stay standing, and fight too many bad spirits every day, unfortunately!

Yet they don’t get to write an e-letter to their congregation and spill their frustrations. If missionaries share their frustrations, they are heroes. If pastors share their hurts, they are unloving! Someone will take it wrong. Someone will be offended.

Pastors get frustrated too.

They get frustrated, discouraged, and beaten up. Many people think it is always open season on the pastor…and they take plenty of shots. Board meetings don’t always go perfectly. Hospital visits can sometimes be overwhelming. Helping people spiritually grow is oftentimes an uphill battle.

We know pastors who skydive, fish, ride motorcycles, build airplanes, hunt (my favorite stress relief), or coach Little League. They do it for one reason…as an escape from stress, a place to unwind.

This month is Pastors Appreciation Month. Do something about it. Don’t just give them a pat on the back. Do something! Appreciate your pastor and his or her family!

Organize something with the church. Roll out the red carpet and throw a party. Buy them a weekend away at a B&B. Give them a gift certificate to the bookstore, coffeeshop, or mall. Buy them a week away at the resort epicenter of the universe—Moldova. (Well maybe not the last one, but you get the hint!)

You have genuine hero in your midst. Show it!

Blessing churches that bless their pastors receive many blessings in return!

Your missionaries to Moldova,

Andy and Nancy Raatz