Editor’s note: When pastors needed a pastor, Renwick Wright was there. For several years he served the RPCNA in a position called Pastors’ Pastor. And he came away with a lot of insight about the challenges of being a pastor. Since this article fits so well with this month’s theme, we are reprinting this 2001 interview with Dr. Wright’s timeless advice.

Some people think pastors receive enough special treatment or appreciation in their own congregation. Do you find that pastors are underappreciated or overappreciated?

Actually, to me, it does depend largely on the pastor himself. Some of us have a rather inflated idea of who we are. We need to be brought down a little. Others of us rate ourselves less than how God has gifted us, and we need to be encouraged. In my experience, the Lord suits your circumstances in your congregation according to your need. People do understand the pastor’s need, and in Christian love they can help ...