Every October, believers across the globe celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month. While we seek to show our gratitude to our pastors throughout the year, we set aside this period to take intentional steps to express it in a special way. Their calling can at times be thankless and disheartening, and a word of encouragement, a generous gift, or an act of service can go a long way to enable them to persevere in the ministry. Not only for their joy, but for ours as well. In the words of Christopher Ash,
Unless there is at least some whisper of joy in [pastors’] hearts as they do their work, some spring of gladness in their step, they will never persevere to the end. And—and this is the point—it is we who will suffer. (32)
That’s why I was eager to read and review The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read (But Is Too Embarrassed to Ask) (The Good Book Company, 2019).
The Author
Ever since discovering Christopher Ash’s commentary, Job: The Wisdom of the Cross, I have been a big fan of his work. Having also heard interviews of his, I have developed a profound respect for the man, not only as a scholar, but as a humble gospel minister. That is why a book on how to care for our pastors by such a godly man intrigued me. His love for Jesus and for his Bride shines through his writing and speaking, and is reason enough to read his book.
The Opening Counsel
In his opening chapter, titled “Pastors Are People Too”, Ash introduces us to 10 different types of pastors. In doing so, he familiarizes us with the variety of personalities they represent. Not every one of them is an extrovert. Nor is he constantly brimming with enthusiasm as he faces another day on the job. As Ash states, “We tend to see our pastors at their most polished. I want us to see them, or at least imagine them, as they are.”
Much like the rest of us, our pastor has inherited traits and an upbringing that shape his perception of life and his relationship with the world around him. Ash’s purpose in this opening chapter is to open our eyes to that reality, so that we might grow in empathy and understanding of those called to shepherd our souls. I found this groundwork of immense value.
7 Virtues of Church Members
In the chapters that follow, Ash lays out seven virtues of church members that impact our pastors. He argues that their greatest joy will come as we grow into the image of Christ. He thus echoes the words of the beloved apostle in 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Joy in pastoral ministry is fueled, perhaps most deeply of all, by signs of a local church who are walking in the truth together. In contrast, one of the most common and most corrosive vices is the Western habit of casual attendance. . . . You and I have no idea just what a motivating effect our simple regular presence can have on our pastors. (50–51, 56)
High Expectations
In his chapter titled “High Expectations”, he calls congregations to keep the bar high when it comes to the moral standards they expect their pastors to uphold. Ash even makes a statement many would find surprising:
I remember shocking the church I served by saying once, in a sermon, “If I have an affair, I hope you will love me enough to put me out of fellowship until I repent, and to stand me down from being your pastor.” But it was true; I did hope that. I would hate to serve a church who didn’t care about my godliness. (98)
Two things stand out about his admonition to his flock. First, that he would admit that such a scenario is even a possibility. No doubt it is highly unlikely. Yet any gospel minister who knows the darkness of his own heart can confess to fellow sinners, “There but by the grace of God go I.”
Secondly, that Ash would invite correction and reproof from his church speaks of his humility and desire to live above reproach. We all need pastors who are willing to admit that they are vulnerable and who welcome our loving input when we see red flags in their lives.
Zealous Submission
I must admit that my initial reaction to the chapter title “Zealous Submission” was not a positive one. Stories of church hurt due to abuses of power abound. So, perhaps my mind went too quickly in that direction. Yet my confidence in the author made me set aside my understandable hesitation, especially as I read on:
Imagine a church who get behind a shared vision, led by a godly pastor, each resolving to push with all the zeal and energy the Lord inspires, and all in the same direction! That is a wonderful church to serve. A pastor in that kind of church will not be tempted to look around to see if a transfer can be arranged to a more united and zealous church. Let’s resolve to be the kinds of church members who promote that kind of zealous glad submission to our pastors.
Being a naysayer and challenging spiritual leaders might come more easily to some. But the net results are bad for all of us. A shepherd whose sheep undermine his decisions at every turn will seek another flock. May we instead be those who bring joy to our pastor by giving him every reason to remain in his position, serving a church for whom his love and service match theirs for him.
Conclusion
Most pastors won’t place a bulk order of this wonderful, short, engaging read. As its subtitle states, they would be far too embarrassed to ask you to read a book whose sole purpose is to better care for them. What if instead we bought a box to distribute to lay leaders throughout the church? They could then transmit its truths to those they help lead and multiply its message.
Let this October inspire us to bless our shepherds especially, and to commit to continue doing so throughout the year to come.
