Thank A Pastor

10/11/2023

Written by: Nancy Purtlebaugh

Did you know October is Pastor Appreciation Month? I’m sure some of you do, but I’m guessing most don’t. This month, in my opinion, doesn’t get enough attention. These men and women give their time shepherding us because of a call God placed on their hearts. They spend countless unseen hours planning-sermons, special events, bible studies, budgets, Sunday services, online services, also making sure there are enough volunteers.

They make sure everything is just as it should be so people will want to come back. They build relationships with all of us and our families. They pray for all of us. They are on the front lines when we need prayer, when our loved ones are sick or have passed away. They are our counselors when we are having marital issues, mental health problems, family issues, congregation issues. They are expected to be experts in entirely way too many areas, including the Bible so they can teach us.

Not speaking to one church in general-but pastors are overworked, underpaid, and often overwhelmed. Their family/home life is sometimes neglected so they can better care for us. Their spiritual life is sometimes put on the backburner so they can fill us up with the Word.

People are quick to point out when they have made a mistake but often forget to tell them they have done a good job. Their jobs are often thankless.

Friends, can we agree that this shouldn’t be this way? God’s Word speaks to us on how we should honor and appreciate our pastors.

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. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Even though there is a month in which we are asked to appreciate them, I say we should every day. They give so much of their lives to us and for us-shouldn’t we give back to them? Maybe you feel like you don’t have much to give? There are some things I know they appreciate that have nothing to do with money. I asked some of our ministers ways that they have felt appreciated. Here are some things they said:

-When I teach a class and it fills someone up.
-When I’m asked to baptize someone because of something I have done to touch their lives.
-When someone asks how they can pray for me.
-When I get a card from someone thanking me for leading.
-When people help out with things around our house without being asked or expecting anything in return.
-When people offer to watch our kids so we can go on a date night or just to make things smoother during an event.
-When people check in just to see how things are going or when they tell us they are praying about specific things that are going on.
-When I’ve gotten notes or texts after the message that something really hit home for someone.
-When people are encouraging to me or pray for me.
-When I see someone take a next step from a connection I got to make-like when a new group works out, or someone joins a team, or gets baptized.

All of them said they appreciated prayer over them and their families and most said the following:
-When someone gives us gift cards to our favorite places to help out during busy seasons in our lives.

I am going to add a few things I thought of. Things I know they all appreciate and that I have heard them say before, or that I have witnessed.

Invest in them and their families. Get to know them. REALLY know them. Not just what they say on stage/on the screen on Sundays. Get to know what they enjoy, what hurts them, how they like their coffee, what they like to watch on TV, what they do with their free time, who their favorite sports teams are,etc.. Get to know their families. Really show them they are loved on a regular basis.

Pray with them and for them. This is so important! They are going through things that most of us never will, as they walk alongside families going through very painful trials. They see things we never have to because we are shielded from most of the battles they face. They are hurt often by the very ones they are giving their lives to every single day. They are facing serious spiritual battles just because they have chosen this calling. Listen friends, satan doesn’t like it when someone willingly gives their life to serve Jesus and others. So he is on the prowl for them and their families.

Volunteer your time. Do ministry with them. Serve alongside them to further the kingdom. They love to see us taking time to do the things they know will make heaven crowded. Figure out what you love/what you are good at and serve in that area. If you aren’t sure-ask! There are so many areas in the church to serve and where you are needed!

Learn and be willing to grow. Get outside your comfort zone. Do scary things for Jesus. Study God’s Word and ask questions. Our pastors love to hear about these things. They love to be a part of these things.

Pastoring a church is 24/7 and is a calling, not a job. They do it because they love you and they love Jesus. Take a few minutes to tell them something you have noticed that has made you or someone else grow in faith. Send them a card in the mail explaining why you are glad they are in your life. Take them out for coffee or dinner. Ask them how you can pray for them. Offer to watch their kids. Take a meal to their family for no reason at all except that you are thankful for them. If you have the resources to bless them audaciously-do that. If you don’t-just love and encourage them in a way you can. They will appreciate it more than you know!

To the pastors-I personally want to say THANK YOU! For everything-for loving Jesus and others so well. For time spent away from your family. For praying for us. For loving us and our kids. For leading us in worship. For teaching us the Word. For leading people to Christ. For showing us a better way to do life. For sharing your lives with us. For being family!! We love you, and we are so grateful for you!!!

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:13-15