22 Ways to Love Your Congregation: A Pastor Reflects

Serve them joyfully.
Listen to their stories carefully.
Hear what they are not saying.
Laugh and cry with them.
When they hurt each other, forgive them.
When they hurt you, don’t take it personally.
Affirm good things out loud.
Pray for them and with them.
Preach good news faithfully.
See the big picture, and address it.
Love everyone, in every age group.
Visit people when they are ill or grieving.
Be humble, sharing your own struggles and doubts.
Provide prophetic leadership.
Follow Jesus even if your congregation disagrees.
Say sorry when you make a mistake.
Be a calm and non-judgmental presence.
Encourage everyone to share their gifts and creativity. 
Maintain healthy boundaries with them.
Take care of yourself.
Know when it’s time to say good-bye.
Tell them you love them.

[In response to April Yamasaki’s excellent blog post, “22 Ways to Love Your Pastor”http://aprilyamasaki.com/2015/04/20/22-time-tested-ways-to-love-your-pastor/ ]

New Book Coming Soon!

Carol Penner has written a devotional book for Lent that explores the challenges of repentance and forgiveness. Forty reflections and prayers to deepen your walk with God as you prepare for Easter.  

You can order it here!

About Carol Penner

I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.

I love to write and to lead worship! If you are finding my writing helpful, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to use or adapt the material here, it is all written by me. If printing material, please credit “Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com” (and say whether you modified it). If publishing, please contact me for permission. Contact me at carol@leadinginworship.com

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  • Worship resources in a Mennonite voice for ears of all kinds

    Are you looking for resources for a Christian service? Feel free to use or adapt my prayers, poems and litanies. They are written in a Mennonite voice, for ears of all kinds. 

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