Day 284 "Who is Ministering to Your Pastor?"

Passage: Acts 18:18a

Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila...

Devotion:

Eighteen months after meeting Priscilla and Aquila (initially working for them as a tent maker), Paul now leaves Corinth in their company (parting after they reach Ephesus). All together, Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned six times in the New Testament (Acts 18:2,18.26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19). Clearly they were very close to Paul personally, and were especially important to him in his ministry.

As I thought about the nature of the relationship Priscilla and Aquila had with Paul, I couldn't help but think about the relationship I have with my own pastor. Is my pastor merely a figurehead of the church, who teaches on Sunday morning's, or is he a real person, with real likes, interests, and yes -- problems. If my pastor ran into difficulty, would I employ him in my business, or provide a place for him to stay, as did Priscilla and Aquila? Would I support him in confidential and non-judgmental friendship during a period of emotional or financially distress that he might encounter? Would I be one he would turn to in difficult times?

Pricilla and Aquila did all of the above for Paul and much more; and not just for a day or two, but for a lifetime. I believe their given ministry was to minister to and be in support of their pastor -- Paul. With their help Paul was supported in a way that allowed him to accomplish many great things for the Lord. Taking care of our pastors is a much overlooked yet extraordinarily important responsibility. Who is looking after your pastor?

Questions to Ponder:

Too often we consider our pastors to be "bigger than life", spiritual giants who need little from us, the typical church attendee. But is that true? Maybe you are just the person your pastor needs to reach out a hand in real friendship. The three problems most pastors have in developing deep friendships and relationships with people are: trust, confidentiality and the ability to be human (happy, sad, etc.) just like everyone else without being judged. Who is ministering to your pastor(s)? Could it be you? Where could you begin in establishing a real friendship with any of the pastors at your church?