Sorry, no show notes for this one. This is the first of a two-episode conversation I had with my daughter, Erin about her daughter, Allison. My hope is that our conversation raises awareness about just how truly beautiful and special kids with exceptionalities are, and that they have a role in our world today.

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: Helping the Pastor’s Spouse

Lord of peace, may You give our pastor(s) and their families peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16).

Support your spouse without being

the assistant pastor.

1. Be a loving, supportive spouse

2. Do not neglect the training of your children.

3. Take care of your home.

The Unique Challenges

· Living under constant scrutiny

· Unrealistic expectations

· Perfect social behavior

· Thorough knowledge of the Bible

· Attendance at all meetings

· Ready entertainer

· Spiritual giant

The Unique Circumstances

· Limited finances

· The demands of church members

· Loneliness

· Absent Spouse

How to Succeed As a Pastor’s Spouse

· Love and accept yourself.

· Concentrate on being the best you can be.

· Have realistic expectations of yourself.

· Build your own spiritual life.

· Work on self-improvement.

· Love and accept your spouse.

· Try to understand your spouse’s ministry.

· Decide on what you are comfortable doing in your church.

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: Celebrating the Success of your Pastor

1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV): “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”

Celebration suggestions

Write a letter. Handwritten is best! For example:

We are grateful for your leadership and the love you show through your service. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. Your dedication to the Lord's work touches our hearts. Thank you for being our shepherd and always guiding us towards God's love.

It would be very important to celebrate your pastors, preaching style and the enthusiasm and love that they present God’s word in.

Another example, if your pastor helped you or someone else you know:

Thanks for your help with [specific action or situation]. I really appreciate all of your hard work. You've been so helpful with [specific action or situation]. Thanks

Have a church potluck in their honor

• Possibly have people lined up ahead of time to honor the Pastor after the meal
• It is possible to have no cards at each table setting that would say one thing I appreciate about the Pastor is…

Start a prayer chain of having people sign up to pray for the pastor(s) for a week.

Start an email chain of celebrating the pastor all month. Maybe talk to the church office manager about sending out emails to the church.

Other Ideas:

Through the years of ministry, the pastor suffers from the spiritual attacks by the enemy on their emotions and well-being. It is important to encourage them in their life outside of leading the church. We should encourage them to take care of themselves and acknowledge the success of their family and their life.

• Let them know what a great job they’ve done in their marriage
• Equally important is to let them know how great they have been as a parent
• Find something that is special in them to acknowledge and celebrate. As an example. Your pastor may have a great way of greeting you that is heartwarming. Take time to acknowledge that.
• Let them know that they do a great job of leadership of the staff and church members
• It might sound odd, but celebrate them by sending them on a sabbatical?

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.