Pastor Appreciation #2

Pastor Appreciation rolls around every October...and most churches and church boards think....at the LAST MINUTE may I add.... "oh what can we do for our pastor to show appreciation?"

Give him a card?  Take up an offering?  Say from the pulpit "we appreciate you?"

The reality is that there is no other profession quite like ministry.  Where EVERYTHING is personal.  If someone walks out of your store because they don't like your products - no big deal.  If someone doesn't like their doctor - they go to a different one - no big deal.

But when a pastor has POURED his life into investing in people's lives, investing in their children, spent HOURS preparing for sermons, and has even at times sacrificed way beyond what was expected...and THEN some of these same people slander him or criticize him for being overwhelmed, depressed, burnt out, having an "off day"....  it is a serious thing.  In no other profession is rejection so sorely felt.

And yes, many times pastors handle it well.  But in reality - it hurts.  It wears on you. You become discouraged.  You wonder if you are making a difference.

Regardless of their smiling faces you see week after week - pastors NEED encouragement, affirmation, and LOVE!  They need to know that you LOVE them.

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”

(1 Timothy 5:17, NIV )

Think about why would Paul have said they were "worthy of double honor"?  They carry a HUGE load!  With spiritual implications!

Please take the time this month to THOUGHTFULLY think of how you can affirm your pastor.  And not just a handshake and a "we appreciate you pastor" given in the hallway!

Maybe you could get them a card where you write something SPECIFIC and MEMORABLE in it of how their ministry has made a difference for you and your family?  Maybe include a Restaurant Gift Card or cash gift along with your card?  Maybe get together with a few others and pay for them to have a weekend break away somewhere?

Be sure and check out the previous blog post for ideas from Focus on the Family about Pastor Appreciation.