Pastor Appreciation

October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  Starting with October 1st members of my church began showing up bearing cards and gifts each day in an effort to show their appreciation to me as their pastor.  In my ministry I have always tried to hide this time of year because I have had the honor of pastoring two churches that have always shown me appreciation throughout the year.  As I write this today, I want to emphasize the appreication that any member can express towards their pastor at any time, rather than just during this particular month.

One of the ways that my churches have shown me appreciation is their constant prayers for my family, my ministry, and myself.  The prayers of the people are truly the source of life and health of the pastor and the ministry.  Through faithful prayer pastors are given spiritual strength for the spiritual work that is ahead and direction for the work that God has prepared.  The faithful prayers of the people are one of the most genuine expressions of appreciation any member can offer to their pastor.

A second way that my churches have shown me appreciation is their friendship.  Many pastors have struggled with developing relationships with their members, but the willingness of pastor and people to build lives together is a true show of appreciation.  Friendship is one of the greatest gifts that can be shared and provides a wealth of comfort, strength, support, and help as the pastor navigates the waters of life.  While I have made many mistakes in my ministry allowing myself to accept the gift of friendship from my members who are willing has not been one of them.

One final way that my churches have shown me appreciation is their willingness work together in ministry with me.  I am proud that I have always had members who were willing to share the burden of ministry.  Whether it was in committee meetings, outreach events, or community activity, I am thankful that the members of my churches have been faithful to join in the work of ministry with me and with each other.

In each of these things my churches have demonstrated their true appreciation.  These gifts, which cost no money and require no special occasion, are the greatest displays of appreciation I have ever received.  If you are a church member, then please do not hesistate to share theses gifts often with your pastor.  If you are a pastor, then please do not neglect the joy and benefit of these glorious gifts.

I am thankful for the churches I have been honored to serve and I pray that God will continue to bless me with many more years with in their presence, work, and appreciation.