Pastor Appreciation

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! It’s the perfect time to explore as a family the whys and hows of respecting church leaders.

 

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:17).

 

WHY should we appreciate our pastors?

Your pastor is God’s servant. He works hard day and night to serve the Lord and his congregation—which includes you and your family. And ultimately, whether he does his job well or not, your pastor will be held accountable to God. So do whatever you can to assist him and build him up.

 

HOW can we show appreciation for our pastors?

Like the verse says, first and foremost submit to your pastor’s authority. Trust him to lead the church according to God’s call on his life. And then consider the many ways you can support him with your actions:

 

  • Send a note of encouragement. Let him know you valued his sermon or his leadership style.
  • Volunteer! Serving in the church is a great blessing to those who are in charge of running its ministries. Many programs could not exist without volunteers!
  • Consider giving your pastor a gift card for a fancy dinner out, or offer to babysit his children so he can go on a date with his wife. Ministry responsibilities can be hard on a family, and often pastors don’t make the kind of money that affords luxuries. Show your appreciation by gifting your pastor and his family a special gift that they may not be able to obtain on their own.

 

WHEN should we appreciate our pastors?

All year round! Pastor Appreciation Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work our pastors do to shepherd their flocks and further God’s kingdom. Yet we should respect and appreciate our leaders every day.

 

One more thing—don’t forget to show appreciation to your pastor’s spouse as well. She is often the unsung hero of a church’s success. So let her know how much you value her role in the church family, too!