I love the church! When I say that, I don’t mean I love MY church, I mean I love the “Big C” church. The Bible talks about Christ loving the church so much that he gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25-32). That’s a lot of love! It’s a love that doesn’t come easy to us, but neither is it optional for us. So many people criticize the church when really they are criticizing individuals in the church. Pastors often feel this criticism deeply because it can feel like a personal attack, even if it’s not–I know because I have the privilege of meeting regularly with these undershepherds who express their desire to “shepherd the flock… as God would have (them)… being examples to the flock,” (1 Peter 5:1-2).

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and I hope you’ll find ways to recognize the pastors (undershepherds) in your midst who are doing their best to shepherd the flock God has given them. The responsibility is great as they both build up the strength of the flock from within through sound biblical teaching, as well as protect the flock from the outside attacks of Satan that would bring fear and doubt. John 10 discusses the responsibility of the shepherd to lay down his life for the sheep, as Christ Himself did. We may not always agree with them or some of the decisions they make, but we can still honor them and work to build them up. The encouragement and support you give your pastor will mean more to them than you know.

WRGN is a great resource in your Christian walk and growth, and it’s our joy to be a resource to your pastor through the broadcasts they can hear daily as you do, the use of the Good News Library (provided free to pastors), our leadership podcast in partnership with the Northeast Collaborative to help pastors lead healthy churches, or just being a listening ear when things get rough. Thank you for helping us be a resource for those who serve the Body of Christ. Your support of WRGN enables us to minister to the Body of Christ, but also to minister to those who minister!

Co-workers in God’s service,

Tim Madeira
General Manager