Introduction:  one of the greatest thrills of my life is being a Pastor.  Even with the responsibilities and burdens that go with this calling, I am grateful to the Lord for calling me into this holy ministry. (I Tim. 1:12)

      I think I can say that when I hear our children calling me "Preacher" that it makes my heart sing.  Little Tony has a special way of saying my name.  To him, my only name is "Preacher".

      Today I want your help.  This is not a message to talk about money or benefits.  It is some things that each member can and should do to help my ministry to grow as your Pastor. 

I. YOU CAN HELP ME BY BEING PRAYERFUL.

      A. How long has it been since you called my  name to   the Lord?   1 Thess. 5:25

                                    2 Thess. 3:1

                                    Col. 4:3

      B. How long has it been since you committed my    needs to the Lord?  2 Cor. 1:11

            1.  my spiritual needs

            2.  my physical needs

            3.  my emotional needs

            4.  my mental needs

            5.  my family's needs 

II. YOU CAN HELP ME BY BEING POSITIVE.

      Most church members have a negative attitude toward:

      A. The Pastor's rule  Heb. 13:17

            It should be ruling with love, laboring, longing and

            the Lord.

      B. The Pastor's Responsibilities

            1.  Studying the Word of God.

                                    Acts 6:2

                 a. mastering the Bible's principles         b. mediating on the Bible's promises

                 c. minding the Bible's priorities.

            2.  Spending time in prayer.

                                    Acts 6:4

            3.  Showing others about the Saviour

                                    Acts 6:7 

            4.  Supervising the daily work of the church.       I Peter 5:2,3

      * Why most church members have a negative attitude   toward pastors:

      1.  Too many changes too fast.

      2.  Don't stay long enough to see the long term effects of      changes.

      3.  Hitler mentality. 

III. YOU CAN HELP ME BY BEING PATIENT. 

      Church members should be patient with:

      A. The Pastor's Faults  Eph. 4:2,32

            1.  my faults are always seen by most

            2.  my faults are exposed when under pressure.

            3.  My faults are probably similar to yours.

      B. The Pastor's Faith  Heb. 13:7

            My Faith should be sound, strong, surrendered and

            scriptural. 

IV. YOU CAN HELP ME BY BEING PEACEFUL.

                                    Psa. 133

      Every church member should realize that:

      A. Disunity destroys the effectiveness of the Pastor's   message.   1 Cor. 3:1-4

                                    2 Cor. 4:3,4

            1.  Can destroy the effectiveness of a message         about salvation of Christ.

            2.  Can destroy the effectiveness of a message         about soulwinning for Christ.

            3.  Can destroy the effectiveness of a message         about service for Christ.

            4.  Can destroy the effectiveness of a message         about surrender to Christ.    B. Discord dampens the enthusiasm of the Pastor's   Ministry.   2 Cor. 12:19,20

            1.  One accord fuels my messages.

            2.  One accord fine tunes my methods.

            3.  One accord forgives my mistakes.