Senior Pastor Support

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4

Hi Everyone

I was asked the other day on how the senior pastor can support a Celebrate Recovery. Senior Pastor support is one of the seven keys that is vital for a successful Celebrate Recovery ministry, without it doesn't work. Listed below is the support that is required by the Senior Pastor and what you can do as a TEAM to encourage them.



SENIOR PASTOR SUPPORT



1. How can the CR Team ENCOURAGE the Senior Pastor?


• Pray together for the pastor and his/her family, ministry, walk with God, etc.
• Include the Senior Pastor in mailings, invitations, meetings, etc recognizing that he/she has a busy schedule.
• Remember your Senior Pastor during Pastor’s Appreciation Month, October.
• Drop him/her an atta-boy/atta-girl note periodically.


2. List how the CR Ministry Leader can ENCOURAGE the Senior Pastor?


• Meet regularly with the Senior Pastor.
• Invite the Senior Pastor to give a lesson or testimony regularly (at least once a quarter).
• Invite the Senior Pastor to give a leadership lesson at TEAM meetings or trainings.
• Invite the Senior Pastor to the CR Summit or one day training.
• Recognize that the Senior Pastor has a broader vision of the churches ministry.
CR is only one ministry (though a very vital one) among many.


3. Name a few ways the Sr. Pastor can ENCOURAGE a CR Team?


• Identify and name his/her own hurts, habits and hang ups publicly.
• Include CR as one of ministries of the church.
• Give messages on CR themes using CR testimonies.
• Every few years dedicate a whole series to CR.
• Come to monthly trainings. Teach when invited by Ministry Leader.
• Mention CR in printed and email materials.


4. How can the Sr. Pastor ENCOURAGE the CR Ministry Leader?


• Meet regularly with the Ministry Leader especially during the start up and in the first year.
• Send the Ministry Leader to great training (i.e. CR Summit, One Day Training, leadership events, etc)
• Publicly acknowledge the leadership of the Ministry Leader in worship and publications.
• Send them atta-boy/atta-girl notes.
• Be an accountability person. Ask about their relationship with God, family and self regularly.


5. How does the Sr. Pastor ENCOURAGE the regular Sunday attender to attend
CR?


• Name his/her own hurt, habit or hang up publicly.
• Use the language of CR in messages and other publications regularly.
• Give messages on CR themes using CR testimonies.
• Every few years dedicate a whole series to CR.
• Include CR worship as one of the weekly worship services in your church.
• Announce CR every week during worship.
• Encourage a CR info table to be set up every week manned by CR people.


6. How can the Sr. Pastor ENCOURAGE other Pastors to start CR in their
Church?


• Tell the story again and again and again. The proof is in the pudding!
• Invite other Senior Pastors to visit your CR ministry.
• Video tape testimonies and send them to other pastors


7. List ways a Sr. Pastor can ENCOURAGE other Sr. Pastors with established
CR’s.


• Remind them that ministry is messy and that CR is very messy, but worthwhile when you see the Kingdom fruit!
• Share resources, stories,etc…



Please don't forgot that I am here to encourage you, so just drop me a line and let me know how your CR is going and any help or prayer you need.


Christ's love



Penny