October is Pastor Appreciation Month
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV)
Here’s an InTENtional Top 10 List of Ways You Can Appreciate Your Pastor (all year long!)
- Pray for your pastor and his family. Pastors can feel isolated and alone, even among a group. They have a huge responsibility to “shepherd the flock.” Pray for protection, for guidance, for wisdom, for provision, and for anything else that will encourage and support your pastor.
- Bring people with you to church. Your pastor cannot grow the church by himself. You, as a member, are also a minister and need to take opportunities to invite people from your circle of influence.
- Participate and support the ministries of the church. Remember, as a Christian YOU TOO have a responsibility to serve.
- Buy or make your pastor an appreciation card or gift and present it to them after church. Pastors are often exhausted after a weekend of teaching and dealing with ministry matters. A small recognition will go a long way to boost their morale and spirit.
- Invite your pastor, his wife and kids over for lunch or dinner. You could do this any day of the week, but Sundays are usually appreciated because the pastor and his family often have little time to deal with meal preparation on that busy day.
- Remember to honor associate, worship and youth pastors – all leaders in your church. They all work hard, often without anyone’s notice. While they do not serve in order to get the recognition, it is always nice to feel appreciated by those whom you serve.
- Encourage each member of your family to express their gratitude in a special way. Your kids can make a card or small gift. Children simply can show interest and thank their pastor for the care he gives. Ask questions! Your pastor wants to know that what God has given him to teach is raising questions and causing life change among the congregation, especially among the young people.
- Support the mission of your church. Pastors often feel like they are “Lone Rangers” in the effort!
- Protect your pastor from any gossip or dissention. Sometimes, a disgruntled member, or simply from someone who is not thinking clearly, will level criticism and hurtful comments.
- Respond to your pastor’s teaching and leadership. Pastors often think their teaching and leadership are happening in a vacuum. Let him know how your life changed and that God is using him to minister to you and your family.
© 2013 by Randy Carlson
