The Pastor's Wife & Mom - A Tribute

The life of a pastor's wife is at the same time beautiful, blessed, complicated and confusing.  Yet, it is one of the most important and vital positions in the body of Christ.

In so many ways, a clergy wife sets the emotional and spiritual tone for the household, and becomes both the enabler and the encourager for every member of the family.  She is a critic at the right time when correction is needed, but she is a listener and an affirmer when her husband and children just want to talk. 

She feels lonely at times, and overwhelmed with parishioners at other times. She wishes the congregation understood the nature of her husband's call, but sometimes wonders what it all means herself.

She is a wife and mother first. She desperately desires more time with the family unit, but understands "balance" is a luxury and management is a must.

For most clergy wives, work outside the home is not an option. It is a necessity just to make ends meet. For others, it is a means of escape from the telephone and the "joy-suckers". Some feel called to their lot in life, while others all of a sudden just became a pastor's wife. For some, it is unbridled joy; but for others, they wonder how long they can hang on.

Yet, they are God's gift to His church and to those who lead her. They do not get enough credit, attention or reward. If anyone in the church needs to be prayed for, it is the pastor's wife. They need space. They need consideration. They need understanding. They need lots of love.

So, pastor friend, when you pause to recognize the moms in your congregation - don't forget the mother of your children. And in front of the assembled folks, let them know just how empty your ministry would be without your precious mate. Salute and honor her, my colleague! She is a treasure.

Why not give this week's podcast a listen?  It also honors "Mom"!  http://www.podcast.hblondon.org/

We'd love you to give it a listen before Sunday if you have time.  HB

Ministering Through The Rain

"April showers bring May flowers."  Isn't that how the saying goes?

In life it takes some cloudy, dreary times to cause you to appreciate the sunshine and its warmth. I imagine that some of you who read these words are feeling the effects of cloudy times. Perhaps your family is going through a difficulty, or "joy robbers" in your congregation are draining your mental resources. If you're like me, some days you don't feel like you're making much difference, and the clouds of discouragement hover around you. 

Well, to paraphrase the apostle James, "It's OK if there is a little rain in our lives — because the rain tests our faith and in turn causes flowers to grow. Don't resent the rain or even a flood. Through these experiences, not only will you grow stronger in the truth, but you will also see firsthand the fruits of your labor in His time."

How do you successfully work through rainy periods?

1. Pace yourself.
2. Be around positive people.
3. Have a dream.
4. Settle unresolved conflicts in your family.
5. Maintain consistent time with Christ.
6. Read an encouraging book every few weeks.
7. Don't forget that God called you, and He will sustain you.
8. Make the most of your days off.
9. Minister to those whose problems will put yours into the right perspective.
10. Remember that the mountains are still behind the clouds. In Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak dominates the landscape. You can see Pikes Peak from anywhere in the city, but at times the clouds lay low, obscuring the mountain. I recall what an old pastor told me at the beginning of my ministry: "Behind the clouds, the mountain is still there, and one day soon you will see it again."

I hope that as you reflect on your life in the ministry, you can see God's hand during the rainy seasons.

By the way, we've enjoyed the comments you have been posting lately.  Please keep them coming!

I Have Prayed For You

Do you remember the situation where Jesus confronted Simon Peter over a request Satan had made to "sift him as wheat"? (Luke 22:31) Jesus said "But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail" (vs 32).

Can you imagine what that would be like to have Jesus say to you .. to call you by name and say "I have prayed for you"?  Wow! But he does. According to Romans 8:34 "Christ Jesus .. is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us"!

He knows your name .. and is aware of your situation.  He has great faith in you! And we in Pastoral Ministry at Focus on the Family care about you as well.  We want to pray for you.

Each Wednesday our staff meets to pray specifically for you "by name & by situation".  Would you allow us to pray for you? We realize this blog reaches around the world. This morning we prayed for your colleagues who had requested our support from India, Pakistan and many other locations.

The lenten season can be very stressful for you, as you make preparations for Resurrection Sunday on March 23rd.  We would like to be a part of your support system.

So, if you would like for us to pray for you on Wednesday, just click on the box at the bottom of the right side bar.  It's entitled "Let us PRAY for you on Wednesday ..." You will be prompted to give us your name & other particulars, but especially your situation.

We have been admonished "that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone" (I Timothy 2:1) That means you!

We look forward to hearing from you. 

Don't Forget

Did you hear the one about the pastor who forgot Valentine's Day? Yes ... it's true. He was busy doing his "pastor thing" and when he came home on that day he found his wife all dressed up in her red dress, the babysitter in place and, then, to his great chagrin, he soon remembered that he had forgotten all about the fact that it was Valentine's Day.

His wife was really upset. She let loose on him and said, "How could you?! I was looking forward to tonight. The dinner, the flowers, the card, the special attention and you forgot! You have hurt me deeply." The pastor was speechless. Finally he blurted out, "I'm sorry. I really am. What can I do to make it up to you?"

She thought for a minute and then she turned toward him and said, "Tomorrow there had better be something in the driveway that goes from 0-175 in a very few seconds." He panicked.

The next morning, his wife got up and looked out the window to see a large box right in the middle of the driveway. She sprinted out the door, with great expectations, and opened the box. She stood in amazement, for in the box was a bathroom scale (0-175, get it?!?). Ouch!! Someone reported that the hours of hospital visitation were limited due to the extent of the pastor's injuries.

I know it's a silly little story. Don't be offended — just make sure your plans this week, however humble, include a time for you to say to that one whose life and support have blessed you — I LOVE YOU! And just one other suggestion: please do not make your "love gift" a bathroom scale.

"Dear children, let us not love (simply) with words ... but with actions and in truth" (1 Jn. 3:18).

Have a great week.

17 – 14!!!! What A Game!!!!

I was so nervous. I had a difficult time watching the first half of the Super Bowl, so I worked with one eye on the television. During the second half, I gave in and just became a football fan regardless of who would win.   

By the way, I picked the Giants 24-21, and really was rooting for the underdog. You cannot take anything away from the Patriots. An 18-1 season is one of the very best in NFL history, but no Super Bowl championship. They were just one game away from being one of the very best football teams ever — maybe they still are or will be.

What do we learn from watching a great game like this? 

• First, you need the opportunity! You can't pick the winner before the game is played. Most people did.
• Just because you are the underdog doesn't not mean you have to play like one.
• When you have been maligned (e.g., Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin), you must believe in yourself. You are playing the game; your critics are not.
• You never know who will step up to make a heroic play (e.g., unbelievable catch by David Tyree on the first touchdown scoring drive).
• In the church, we do not call it luck, but in football you need some luck. Point: You do your best, and good things will happen.
• You need a game plan and a coach who has the respect of their players.
• You will most likely play hurt, but if you believe in yourself, your team and the cause at stake, you will survive. Sometimes defense is your best offense.
• No matter what the score, winning feels better than losing.

Wow! What I have just shared with you sounds a whole lot like pastoring a church, with one very big exception — you are a winner no matter what! In fact, you are more than a conqueror! Why? Because of the Coach you follow and the cause you represent.

Have a great week! WHEW — what a game!

Avoiding Burnout

Burnout seems to be a very popular subject related to Clergy these days.  We've taken an article from our most recent Pastor's Weekly Briefing which lays out some observations about burnout, and how to avoid it. 

The shorter days and frigid temperatures can find you feeling a bit lethargic — especially those living in colder climates. As a result, burnout often occurs.

Why are you feeling burned out? After all, the kids are back in school, the holiday hustle and bustle is over and everybody's back to work! But recovery from that holiday rush can leave people feeling drained of energy.

To recover from burnout, motivational speaker Snowden McFall, author of Fired Up, offers her clients these five tips, as reported by foxnews.com:

1) Take a vacation. McFall states that "twenty-six percent of Americans never take a vacation ... and studies show that women who take two weeks of vacation each year can cut their chances of having a heart attack by 50 percent."

2) Laugh. "It's been shown to boost the immune system," says McFall. Toddlers laugh several hundred times a day, but the average adult laughs just four times, she adds.

3) Give back. "When you volunteer to feed people who are starving or stop off at a homeless shelter on your way home from work, it can really put things into perspective and make you think about how well-off you are. And you feel better when you help nurture other people."

4) Deep breathing, meditation. Taking a break and looking inward helps people both mentally and physically, McFall said. "It increases your circulation," she said. Deep breathing also increases your circulation, cuts the duration of hospital stays and leads to fewer business errors.

5) Exercise. "Sixty percent of Americans do not get enough exercise to keep their immune system functioning properly," McFall said.

If this subject peaks further interest, we have an edition of Pastor to Pastor dealing with the subject of burnout.

The interviews can be accessed at  http://www.parsonage.org/p2p/A000001454.cfm for either download of a specific guest or the entire edition.  Or you may order a hard copy of the CD from same site. 

Do You Have a Dream?

Martin Luther King Jr. is an American hero. He would have been 79. Yesterday, the nation paused to remember his contribution to our society and his sacrificial effort for equality among all men. Though we have not come as far as he might have wished, the efforts of Dr. King have not been in vain.

Each year the media plays over and over the "I Have a Dream" speech delivered by Dr. King. It stirs me every time I hear it. Why? Because of the simple concept that all of us need a dream. We need to reach beyond our grasp and trust God for that which might seem impossible.

I learned a long time ago that "the dream never dies, just the dreamer." You stop dreaming and settle for things as they are and soon your ministry will become mundane and ordinary.

What is your dream? Can you articulate it? Have you written it down? Have you shared it with those you trust? Dreams many times parallel our faith.

In Genesis 37:19, there is a simple but profound verse related to Joseph and the brothers who hated him. "Here comes the dreamer," they said, "Let's slay the dreamer, and then see what happens to his dream." Much of the world, and especially the evil one, would be delighted if you would give up on your dream. Don't do it! Embrace it and live it.

If you ever need us, call our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at (877) 233-4455 or write to us at pastors@family.org. And we are always available through our Web site at www.parsonage.org.

What is your dream?  Why not share it here .. we would love to partner with you in your hope for it's fruition. 

Have a great week.

The Beginning of a New Beginning

January for me is always a time of introspection. 

Amazing isn't it, how a turn of the calendar page is met with such optimism and new opportunity? Jan. 1 is just another day yet such a significant one. 

The first Sunday in January is coming up this weekend.  Why not set a course for those you lead that is positive, upbeat and filled with promise.

First, though, set a course for your personal ministry. Let me, from my own experience, share some thoughts with you:

1. Identify where you failed in 2007.  Take a moment to reflect on why you failed, and what God taught you, then shake it off and go forward.
2. Consider where you succeeded in 2007. Take a moment to reflect on why you succeeded, then shake it off and go forward. Do not let pride or arrogance follow you into the new year.
3. Develop a good habit. It will take at least 30 days for a new behavior to become a habit. One new habit I would suggest is getting up 30 minutes earlier and filling the time with worship, study and thanksgiving.
4. Become a mentor, and/or find one for yourself.
5. Pick at least six books you wanted to read last year but never did. Start reading one today.
6. Look at yourself in the mirror and say, "I am God's creation. I am beautifully and wonderfully made. In His providence God called me into His world as a shepherd of the flock, a spouse and a parent. I will be faithful to that call. I will not allow defeat or criticism to destroy my passion for ministry. I will attempt to prove myself faithful each day of 2006 .. and if I fail, I will call on God for help and do better the next day."

I believe in you, my colleague! May 2008 be filled with the kind of serendipity only God can bring into your life.

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19)

Do You Believe In Miracles?

Do you recall one of the greatest moments in Olympic history that took place in 1980?  The semi-final match between the U.S. hockey team and the powerful Soviet team went down as one of the most monumental sports upsets.  To this day, sportscaster Al Michaels' voice still brings a chill when I recall his shout near the end of the contest: "Do you believe in miracles?"

My question is the same.  "Do you believe in miracles?" Do you sit in wide-eyed amazement anticipating what God can and will do for you, your family and your ministry?"

When Philip was full of doubt and struggling with the identity of Jesus, the Master turned to him and said, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves" (John 14:11). 

We just enjoyed a meaningful season when we acknowledge the greatest miracle of all.  That moment in time was not just about a baby in a manger; it was about the power of almighty God flowing through His Son to redeem and transform mankind.

You and your family may need to sense the power of God in a majestic manner.  There may be a prodigal far from home.  You may be feeling weary and wondering if ministry is really your calling.  Perhaps within your church family, you desperately need the Prince of Peace to settle a conflict or mend a division.  Whatever you're facing, you may need a miracle.

I urge you, my colleague, to listen to the same still voice that Philip heard hundreds of years ago, saying, "Trust Me. Believe Me."

As the beloved John was completing his Gospel, he wrote, "Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20: 30-31).

This is what the Advent season we just celebrated is all about.  Do you believe in miracles? 

Shootings in Colorado

Man! What is going on? Yesterday, in our state and city, two people were fatally shot at a housing complex for Youth With a Mission in Arvada, Colorado (associated with Faith Bible Chapel, pastored by George Morrison). Just 13 hours later, a gunman shot five people here in Colorado Springs at New Life Church (pastored by Brady Boyd), a mile from the Focus on the Family campus — killing two of them. These kinds of things are happening much too frequently.

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter said, "When innocent people are killed in a religious facility or place of worship, we must voice a collective sense of outrage and demonstrate a renewed commitment to keeping our communities safe."  Our Senator Ken Salazar issued a statement, "It is incomprehensible that such atrocities could occur in places of faith and worship."  Dr. James Dobson commented, "The Focus on the Family community is grieving over the Sunday shootings. ... It is always tragic when these senseless acts of violence occur. ... Yesterday, however, the targets were two religious organizations where men and women worship, serve their neighborhoods and seek care. There are no 'sanctuaries' in today's culture."

Since February 17, 1991, we have noted 12 occurrences where gunmen have invaded the solemn confines of a church to kill and maim innocent worshippers.

There is no way to make sense of all of this except to say the nature of man is to be wicked, and only a changed heart and loving relationship will insure wholeness.

I am sure your people will ask you a lot of questions related to these tragic events. We have some material that you can download if you desire. They are complimentary and provide some helpful information as you seek to guide your people through the maze called "unthinkable and unimaginable."

Good Grief
http://www.parsonage.org/images/pdf/GoodGrief.pdf

Surviving the Crises of Life
http://www.parsonage.org/images/pdf/SurvivingCrises.pdf

Why, God, Why?
http://www.parsonage.org/images/pdf/WhyGodWhy.pdf

Helping Children Cope
http://www.parsonage.org/images/pdf/HelpingChildrenCope.pdf

Please pray for all of us. Stay safe, guard your heart and enjoy the beauty of the Advent Season.

P.S. Don't forget that, if any member of your family ever needs us, he or she can call our toll-free Pastoral Care (Crisis) Line at 877-233-4455 Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM (Mountain). We can also be reached by e-mail at pastors@family.org and you can always visit our Web site, The Parsonage, at www.parsonage.org 24 hours a day.

Don't Miss The Moments

I am beginning to sign Christmas cards this week, and soon will begin receiving some.  I love this time of year!  It brings back so many unforgettable memories. So, as I plan ahead, I can't help but think back, too.

As I go through the preparations for the Advent Season, I am constantly reminded of Christmases past — the church services, family times, travel experiences, shopping days and the planning that went into making this time of year meaningful for all who looked to me for leadership.  I can also recall the stress that seemed to accompany any holiday season. Can't you? If we are not careful, we will miss the moments of greatest joy.  Some suggestions:

1. Make sure all of your family issues have been resolved. Don't enter the holiday without peace at home.
2. Set your calendar in such a way that there are "gaps" for advent surprises. Don't miss the moment. They are most likely non-repeatable.
3. Tune your heart afresh to the heart of God. Hear Him speak to you about your advent messages. Don't be mechanical. Be open to the moments of divine revelation. Quiet your heart.
4. Find three or four people on your block who really need to know they matter. Bless them.
5. Finally, laugh a lot. Joy begets joy.

These moments you will long remember. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

When Your Team Loses

On Monday (Nov 26th) I was watching the NFL game between Pittsburg and Miami.  It was a terrible evening to play.  Rain, wind and even lightning delayed the game for 20 minutes.  Needless to say my team lost 3-0.  Now Miami is 0-11.  They lost with 17 seconds left to play.  I was bummed.

After the game was over I was thinking, "Man! A lot of my teams are losing!" The Broncos lost, the Giants lost.  Kansas lost.  The Denver Nuggets lost, and the memory of the Colorado Rockies losing the World Series is still a vivid reality.  What is going on?

And then I thought, "Why is this such a big deal?" I don't know anyone on the teams I was rooting for. They don't know me.  The sun will come up the next morning and life will go on.  So what is the big deal?

Well, for one thing, we all need something or someone to cheer for.  It is important to develop loyalties. It keeps your life interesting. For another, when you root for a team it helps you to appreciate all the effort that goes with winning. And one more thing! Life's a lot like an athletic contest — you win some, you lose some. Most of the time you learn more from losing than you do from winning. You just can't take it so seriously that you forget it's just a game that grown men are playing.

So how's your team doing? If you don't have one, pick one. Remember Niebuhr's prayer .. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."

And when you lose, you walk across the field and congratulate the winning team. No sense being a sore loser — we'll get 'em the next time!

Don't forget to listen to our Advent teachings on the podcast found at podcast.hblondon.org. Talk to you next time.

Veteran's Day ... A Salute to Brave Warriors

This past week, I sat next to a wounded, but recovering, soldier. He was very young, very polite, and obviously in pain. His crutches were stored overhead and I had not noticed he was limited until I needed to get to my window seat. With some effort he let me pass by.

When we were settled, I asked him how he was doing and thanked him for his service. Later he volunteered that, while on a mission in Iraq, his vehicle was struck by an IED (improvised explosive device) and both of his knees were severely damaged. He had had three surgeries and was anticipating another. He seemed very thankful to be alive and was working half-day shifts at a Fort Carson desk job in Colorado Springs. The rest of his day was in rehab.

Traveling in and out of our city, I see a lot of young men in "my soldier's" condition. I wonder about their families and agonize with them over their futures, without even knowing what that might be. Will they be able to get an education? Live a normal life? Play basketball?

I also hear a lot about the symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Things I have read tell me that 15 percent to 20 percent of those who suffer the disorder will never recover. I wonder if we really take the consequences of war as seriously as we should?

My point of this note to you on this national holiday to remember our veterans is a simple one. Please do not overlook the near 4,000 families that have been forever influenced by the war-related death of a loved one and the multiplied thousands of men and women whose lives will never ever be the same due to battle-related injuries ... and they all seem so young.

Perhaps, as the Psalmist requested of his God, we can live in our world when we cross paths with men and women whose lot in life has left them with everyday challenges we can scarcely imagine.

"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord; let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me" (Psalm 40:11).

Have you checked out our podcast at podcast.hblondon.org? Please do. Let me know what you think, and have a really good day!

Adoption

I remember hearing the story of a young man who was talking about his family, and more specifically his brother.  He said, "I know one of us is adopted, but I forget which one."  Most likely that would not be the politcally correct method of discloser today, but it does point out the fact of unconditional love and the value of embracing the orphan.

At Focus on the Family one of our "hot button" initiatives is encouraging pastors to motivate their congregations to look into the value and blessing of adoption.

On our staff here in Colorado Springs several of my colleagues have adopted children from far away places — yet we have been reminded of the thousands of children in our own state of Colorado who are parentless.  One of my staff members is soon to be the 'new' grandfather of foster-adopted twins.  The adoptive parents have faced a lot of challenges with their new children, but just think what the lives of those babies would have been like without the loving, caring, and even sacrificial attention given by this devoted couple.

I know adoption is not for everyone, but it is a viable option.  One of the ladies who works with me and has an adopted son said to me one day, "Remember, it is not like getting a puppy." She is so right!

One of the things about adoption is that not only does it provide a loving home for children, but it becomes a tool for evangelism.  Just think .. not only are we given the privelege of helping to mold a life and set that child on a life course, but we have the blessing of becoming "spiritual parents" as well.  Many adopted children will never know Jesus as Savior if someone who knows Him as Lord is not given access into their lives. 

Again, adoption is not for everyone, but there might just be a person in your congregation who could open up their homes and hearts either as a foster or adoptive parent.  Please feel free to access more information about orphans on our website www.icareaboutorphans.org. Who knows what God might have in mind.

A Legacy of Consistency

Last January I was wrapping up a fulfilling holiday vacation. It had been a wonderful time of rest, recreation and family.

One of those special family moments occurred one evening around 11:00 PM when I, along with my 17-year-old grandson, took a shuttle bus to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, California, to pay our respects to Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States. We stood in a long line of people who had come to recognize a man who was the only unelected President of the United States. He was asked to serve in a time when our nation was in great turmoil. He served for only 29 months, but he did so as a humble man of faith and courage.

At his funeral, one of those who delivered a eulogy said, "He was in public what he was in private."

With that one statement, a man's legacy is built. To be consistent in one's quiet private times is the genuine reflection of what a person of faith says and does in public.

My prayer for you is a simple one. I pray that your private life will be a reflection of Paul's words to the church at Colosse, "Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another ... But above all things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts." (Col. 3:12-13).

And again as Paul writes, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." (Col. 4:17).

Let us not forget our commitment to the Shepherd's Covenant. May we each renew our attention to the five concepts of GRACE each and every day. 

In fact I just shared the timeless principles of this covenant in one of my podcasts.  Have you had a chance to listen?  You can access the link at our Web site at www.parsonage.org.  Or just click here for immediate access.

Have a wonderful week.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

A couple months ago, I was thinking about you while watching a myriad of television pastors. I really was not copping out, but I was speaking at an event and the room they gave Beverley and me had Direct TV (whatever that is) and I could get preachers from everywhere.

So, I "clicked around" and was treated to a smorgasbord of theologies, styles, gimmicks and propositions. I watched it all — from the most liberal to the highly conservative. As I surfed around, I was reminded of two scriptures. Both came from the pen of Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth: "God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe" (1 Cor. 1:21) and "I make myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible" (1 Cor. 9:19).

In other words, God uses a wide variety of clergy to see His will fulfilled.

But do you know what thought really caught my attention? Most of you will never have a radio or television ministry. You will never become well-known outside of your circle of influence. But, it is within that circle of influence that God allows you great authority and opportunity.

In our book, The Heart of a Great Pastor, Neil Wiseman and I called it the opportunity to "bloom where you are planted." In other words, no one else can do what you do or serve where you serve. You are uniquely in the right spot to bring glory to God.

So, when your people comment on something one of the "big names" has said, or say to you "Why don't you do it the way they do it?" don't get upset. Just know in your heart that God has you where He wants you and, because of that, God expects a harvest of love and compassion for those you serve.

Oh, and by the way, the TV "guys and gals" — they do not make your hospital calls for you, do they? Or preach the funerals, or marry the young couples, or sit with lonely folks in the nursing homes, do they? Or get up at 4 a.m. to deal with a domestic situation? No, and do you know why? Because they do not pastor your people — you do. They may address your people, but they are not "on call."

So, my colleagues, bloom where you are planted!! You and God can do great things right where you are without a television program. He is doing great things.

If you ever need us, call our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at (877) 233-4455, or write us at pastors@family.org. Be sure to also visit us at our Web site at www.parsonage.org. We are here because you are there. 

I would love to read your comments to this (or any) blog entry.  Please feel free to post one. 

The Best Team - Or The Team That Plays The Best?

On Saturday, October 6, the unranked Stanford Cardinals defeated the Southern California Trojans (ranked number one in one national poll and number two in another) in a very exciting game.

USC was favored to win by 41 points. The loss dropped them to 10th place in the rankings, and probably eliminated them from contention for a national championship. The pre-season polls had them at #1.

After the game, the USC quarterback, John David Booty, who threw several interceptions, made a somewhat profound statement. In so many words, he said, "The best team does not always win. Sometimes, it is just the team that plays the best that comes away with the victory."

There is no doubt about the "best" team losing on Saturday. But that is why you play the game.

I go back to Booty's statement about "the team that plays the best." In this mega-church world, some of you are out-manned, out-financed, out-marketed and looked upon with limited expectations; but remember it is not about any of the above. It is all about your passion, your attitude, your confidence, your call and your dependence upon the One who called and equipped you. You know you are a winner! I just think all of us need to "play the best game" we can play, hold our heads high and go for it on fourth down.

Look what God helped Gideon to do with just 300 men ("For the Lord and for Gideon" — Judges 7:20). He divided the men into three groups of 100 — offense, defense and special teams. They were victorious — and so shall you be. The key: "Each man held his position" (Judges 7:21).

Don't look over your shoulder, my colleague. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith — so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Heb. 12:2,3).

Go for it! Have a great week!

Travels with H.B.

I travel a lot — it's just a part of what I do — but, from mid-September to the middle of November, the schedule becomes even more intense. I'm not complaining. I value the time I can spend with pastors across the country, and learn so much from the experience.

Along the way, there are a lot of flight delays, fast food meals and different hotels. But the best part of my time comes when I am able to meet and have conversation with pastors, young and old. We talk about a lot of things.

For instance:

Yesterday, I spent some time with a pastor who was in recovery from pornography. He doubts if he will ever be completely well, but he has put safeguards in place. I affirmed him.

Earlier this week, it was a colleague who serves a small church that is dysfunctional because of contention. He has lost one main family in his congregation and anticipates losing more. I just let him talk.

Then there was the pastor's wife I met recently, who was driven to see her husband succeed. She had become "super pastor's wife" — juggling many jobs to make her husband look good. I cautioned her.

There was another encounter I had with a pastor's wife, whose father had had an affair and, because of that, she had developed real trust issues. I empathized with her.

The other day, I sat with a pastor who had gone through an unwanted divorce and couldn't understand why that had made it difficult for him to find a healthy assignment. I reasoned with him.

A couple of days ago, in the midst of a line of people who wanted to talk, I took time with a pastor I had known for awhile who had just come through cancer surgery. The doctors couldn't get it all. I will pray for him.

Oh, yes, there are many I meet with who feel blessed, happy and fulfilled. I rejoice with them.

I am so honored to serve at Focus on the Family as a pastor to pastors with a great staff. Perhaps our paths will never cross, but that will not stop us from communicating. Call us with any issues you are facing at 877-233-4455 or write us at pastors@family.org. In a week or so, our podcast and blog will begin. We can stay in touch. Thank you for allowing us entree into your world.

Mutual Admiration

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

During the next several weeks many of you and your families will receive expressions of gratitude and admiration from members and friends of your congregation.  (I hope all of you do!)  Since 1994, when Dr. James Dobson and all of us at Focus on the Family began to boost Clergy Appreciation Month (see last Friday's 9/28 post) we have been overwhelmed by the response of our supporters.  They are eager to honor folks like you who provide them with spiritual leadership.

But as I was preparing this column, I realized that besides any recognition we might get from other people in the church, it is appropriate that we ministers should support and appreciate each other. 

Who better than a colleague to understand the challenges and stresses we face?  Who better than another ministry family to relate to the pressures our loved ones encounter?  Who better to appreciate the gifts it takes for a minister to guide a congregation than someone else who does it?  Who better to realize what is at stake than one who shares the same calling?

Clergy Appreciation Month could provide a wonderful time for you and your family to tell a comrade in the faith how grateful you are for his commitment to carrying the message entrusted to him by our Lord.  By simply making a home call or sending a note of affirmation, you might encourage another minister in the community.

When I was a young minister, a respected colleague in our community stopped by our church to let me know he was rooting for me and to offer his help if ever I needed it.  We shared a meaningful prayer time, and by the time he left I felt very special.

You might have that same kind of effect on a minister in your town.

I have watched and participated in a lot of sporting events, and so I've given and received encouragement: "You can do it! Go for it! Good hustle! Nice going! Super Game! Way to go!" These simple phrases from one teammate to another can mean so much.

In a real sense we are all on the same team, playing for the same coach, and engaged in a titanic struggle with evil.  We will not win the battle alone, but only as we join our hearts and talents in a mighty show of mutual faith and admiration for each other. 

By the way, my friend - nice going!

Clergy Appreciation Month

(Don't fight it. If it happens, let it happen.)

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus from a prison cell in Rome. He wrote to a church that was located in and around the temple of Diana. It was a pagan city devoted to idolatry. It must have been a very difficult assignment for the elders of the fledgling church — not so unlike what many of you have been called to. Paul reminds his friends that there must be balance between what we believe and how we act out our faith.

Warren Wiersbe speaks to our call: "The danger on the battlefield is that we do not take the enemy seriously and therefore fail to put on all the armor. Never underestimate the strategy and strength of the devil."

As Clergy Appreciation Month begins, we at Focus on the Family salute you. We are proud of you. We pray for you every week and we are constantly attempting to find new ways to engage you.

We know many of you reject the Clergy Appreciation Month concept, but we believe it is very important for your congregation to celebrate with you — your calling, your assignment and your wonderful family. It becomes a win-win for all. So if it happens, just let it happen.

NOTE: On October 3 and 4, I have been given the opportunity of honoring you on the Focus on the Family daily radio program. Please check our website for times and stations in your area. You and your family really do matter to us.

Here is what we say on the clergyappreciation.org Web site to laymen who inquire on how they can best recognize your contribution to their lives and community:

"God has entrusted to pastors and their families one of the most precious of assignments — the spiritual well being of the flock. That's why God has instructed us to recognize His servants."

The Bible says, "Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching" (1 Tim. 5:17, The Message).

Paul's last words to the church at Ephesus were, "I am sending him (Tychicus) to you ... that he may encourage you" (Eph. 6:22). Let us encourage you, my colleague. Let your people encourage you. Encourage one another.

We appreciate you! Be blessed and be a blessing.