10/12/2026
[Copied and spot on❤️🙏]
A few years ago I read an article on phobias that was a compilation of documented cases contributed by psychiatrists. They relayed a consensus of the number one fear adults experienced. It was...
public speaking.
They gave testimonials in the article that most of those they worked with in their practices were almost never in positions to have to speak publicly. Those fears did in fact stem from childhood experiences where their attempts at public speaking, such as book reports or science fair demonstrations, did not go well.
Do you have a fear of public speaking, and even now as you are reading this, you are feeling some apprehension?
Yet, your pastor, who may have overcome the same fear to stand behind the pulpit today, will receive a strong critique on the ride home for his method of delivery.
Were you an honors student in school?
Your pastor will be expected by some to have the knowledge of the Apostle Paul about every subject related to Scripture and many subjects that are not.
Do you have the booming voice of a George Whitefield?
Many in your congregation today will wonder why their pastor doesn’t speak more forcefully.
Are you always reserved knowing just what to say and when, with the voice inflections of a trained Shakespearean actor?
Yet, some on the way home will wonder why the pastor can’t just “say things like a normal person.”
Do you have the singing voice of Pavarotti?
A pastor who sings is a wonderful asset, but many will think he’s just a show off, or maybe state he really shouldn’t attempt it at all.
Do you always know what to say at a hospital bedside or to a grieving family?
Yet, your pastor will continuously go visit hurting ones anyway and be criticized when he’s a bit awkward.
Do you have the style of Ralph Lauren?
Your pastor will be raked over the coals for his tie being a little too short or he missed a button.
Do you study the Bible for hours on end so that you can be prepared to deliver a message from the Lord to a full auditorium?
Yet, some will blatantly sleep through it, or be late to it and wonder why the pastor isn’t preaching “the whole counsel of God.”
Do you hear of some great Man of God who fell into sin and your first reaction is, “Satan really went after him.”
Yet, you have no compassion for the target your pastor has on his back and every small mistake is blared to the world; and even things for which he should have no blame.
Do you say things to him like,
“You’re the last pastor standing.” Followed by a tear-filled- “I just don’t know what I’d do if you ever let me down?!”
Then you proceed to kick him off that pedestal you put him on- a pedestal he never asked to be put on- all the while ripping him apart behind his back.
Do you spend hours in prayer for the problems and needs of those with whom you attend church?
Your pastor will be criticized for not handling people problems in the way you think he should, though he has sought the Lord for wisdom by the hour and you’ve just talked about it to anyone who’ll listen.
Do you want mercy and grace shown to your children when they make mistakes?
Some will pick apart your pastor’s children until they cry themselves to sleep.
Do you carefully comb your paycheck making sure that every penny is correct and every dollar of overtime you worked is fully credited?
Your pastor will stand behind his pulpit this morning, not even thinking to log all of the hours he’s put in to prepare the message. He won’t consider adding up the hours of counseling or phone calls taken late at night. He will still deliver what God has laid on his heart even though no overtime will be reflected on his paycheck.
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
It’s no secret that my husband is my pastor. I know his character, his integrity, and his spiritual walk in a personal way. Outside of the Lord, I know his spiritual insides better than anyone. And I appreciate him so much.
Appreciate your pastor.
Pray for him.
He’s not perfect.
But, neither are you.
![[Copied and spot on❤️🙏]A few years ago I read an article on phobias that was a compilation of documented cases contribut...](https://img3.prayers1.com/626/659/1160918256266596.jpg)
