Everyone loves compliments…including me. I received a compliment this weekend from someone who met me for the first time, and it was so encouraging. It reminded me of some of my favorite compliments I have received.
Here are my 7 favorite compliments to receive as a pastor:
“You hang out just like a regular guy” – Thanks. Pretty much I am a regular guy. Full of mistakes, fears, frustrations, and heartache. I’m also capable of disappointing you. I hope I never do, but remember…I’m just a regular guy.
“You seem pretty normal for a pastor” – I’ll take that as a compliment, although anyone who would plant a church is probably not “normal.” You just haven’t been exposed to abnormal yet. Just wait.
“I can understand you when you preach” – Well, good, I’ve succeeded. Of course, you could be saying I’m simple-minded, but I’d own that statement, too. “Jesus loves me” still blows my mind.
“I saw you running…you’re really fast!” – Okay, maybe not so much on the fast part…but I run long distances. Seriously, I love when people recognize and acknowledge me outside of Sunday.
“You were speaking just to me today” – It may appear that way and I’m glad you took it personal. Sometimes though, I’m staring into the lights and can’t see anyone…but if the shoe fits with today’s message, you have my permission to wear it.
“Thank you for being real” – Seriously, I try. Honestly, I don’t have a choice. When you’ve found yourself on the bottom so many times, you begin to be comfortable there, but you certainly aren’t comfortable trying to be someone you’re not. So I’m just “keeping it real.”
“Your church is always helping the community” – Thanks! That’s our goal. (I realize it’s not “my” church, but that’s what they say.) Thank you for recognizing one of our values is actually being accomplished. We are here to serve!
“Where’s Cheryl?” – People are always looking for my wife on Sunday. I love that my church loves my wife as much…okay…more than me. Seriously, I know so many pastors who wished their wives were active in their ministry. I’m blessed. Also, if you do get mad at me…since I’m just a regular and normal guy…at least you’ll keep coming because you love my wife. She never makes anyone mad. (Not even me.)
Go ahead and brag a little…What’s your favorite compliment you receive?
