5 THINGS THAT MAKE A THANKFUL PASTOR TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Pastoring as a profession is a demanding task. There are many issues to contend with from time to time. And sometimes the challenges are so overwhelming that the negative effect might not allow for a smiling face.

However, the Bible encourages an opened attitude. As a pastor your character can determine how long and how well you can go. A thankful attitude will not only endear you to your church members, it will also enhance growth.

Here are 5 things that an appreciative pastor got involves in, in the ministry.

1. They focus more on what really matters.

As a pastor there is no doubt if you will not face criticisms. But a pastor with a grateful heart dwell less on criticism and more on issues that really matter. According to Thom S. Rainer, president of Lifeway Christian Resources, "Thankful pastors focus less on critics because they are focusing on the blessings of God. They are able to see more clearly God's vision for the church, because they are seeing the good things God has already done through their attitude of thanksgiving".

2. A thankful pastor has a contagious attitude.

From Thom S. Rainer, a pastor with a grateful heart, also affect the overall attitude of his members. "The church often takes on the personality of the pastor. If the pastor is legalistic, the church is legalistic. If the pastor has a dreary demeanor, the church follows. But if the pastor is continuously thankful, the congregation becomes a thankful church. That's a fun and joyous place to be".

3. A thankful pastor easily attract people who are not his church members.

According to Rainer, unbelievers do like places where people like to feel good and share joy.  "They remind me of the passage in the early church where the numbers were growing daily because they were "having favor with all the people" (Acts 2:47b). The unbelieving world is attracted to a place of joy and thanksgiving".

4. An appreciative minister always lead a congregation that give abundantly.

In the same context of Acts 2 :47, noted above, the joyous and awe-filled church gave sacrificially and abundantly (Acts 2:45). People give out of a sense of gratitude and thanksgiving, not one of guilt or compulsion.

5. A thankful pastor stay longer in the ministry.

In the words of Thom Rainer, thankful pastors are not easily  move away from where they are pastoring. There will always be issues to settle. But as they are so thankful for their present churches they don't have the green grass syndrome for other churches. They stick around long enough to develop trust, earn a place in the community and establish a healthy leadership approach.