Christmas can be an exciting and fulfilling time for pastors. It can also be difficult and frustrating.
Pastors in small churches face especially difficult tasks, and holiday work can be compounded when one compares himself to his favorite blog writer.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts that will help you survive this festive time of year:
1. Don’t skip Christmas in your preaching series.
Sure this works for the megachurch staff down the street, but it is dangerous for you. Starting a new series based on the last good book you read sounds like a refreshing change for you this year, but the folks who pay your salary will probably think otherwise.
Megachurch man down the street doesn’t recognize 90 percent of his flock when he sees them in Walmart and will know of the disapproval of his sermons only by a few emails; you will be cordially invited to a hastily-called board meeting by mid-December.
2. Do something generous for someone in need without telling anyone.
Otherwise known as “practice what you preach,” the great thing is that you can be generous no matter your salary or the number of people who listen to you each week.
(For the record, you probably can’t be as generous as megachurch man, but Jesus covered this in a parable about a woman with a couple of coins.)
My wife and I have decided this year to give a large tip and thank you card to our favorite waiter at a local Mexican restaurant we frequent. (Oops, I wasn’t supposed to say that!)
3. Don’t expect a large Christmas bonus if you haven’t received one in the past.
Chances are slim that the chairman of the board suddenly realized you’re having trouble financing that quick trip home for the holidays.
I know of one small church that rewards its pastor each year with a bonus of several thousand dollars. One.
Most of the guys I know in small church America preach 100 sermons each year, teach, attend youth camps, are known by first name at the nursing homes, wash the van and still don’t get anything extra at Christmas.
These shall hereby be known as Matthew 6:24 churches—they’re ensuring their preacher doesn’t try to serve both God and money!
