How will you honor your pastor this month?
By Andy Oldham
“In establishing the first Christian churches, Paul advised the congregation to give “double honor” to the elders of the church who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).
Paul further urged Christian communities to acknowledge those “who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you,” holding these spiritual leaders “in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).”
From Pastor Appreciation Month grew the idea of emphasizing one specific day to nationally pay tribute to our clergy. This day became known as Pastor Appreciation Day. Also referred to as Clergy Appreciation Day, this day of showing national gratitude for clergy members is celebrated on the second Sunday in October.
Aside from Pastor Appreciation Day, October is that special month where believers everywhere come together in a unified voice to express their appreciation and gratitude. During these thirty-one days congregations will set aside a special occasions to honor their pastors, and pastoral families, for their hard work, sacrificial dedication and multiple blessings provided by these special people. It is also important to remember that appreciation, affirmation and prayer support of our spiritual leaders is appropriate throughout the entire year.
Why is it important to celebrate pastors and clergy?
Speaking from the past experience of watching my parents, who were both pastor and missionaries, I would like to share a handful of thoughts — well, maybe both hands full:
- The pastor is at the beckoned call of their sheep. If one has a sore foot, or wool is too long and gets hung in a thicket, the shepherded is called to leave what he is doing and meet them where ever they are, regardless of time — at the hospital, the home, the accident, or even the funeral home.
- The pastor is the counselor, the giver of time, the encourager, and the one who biblically corrects and leads. He performs marriages and baptisms, all of which requires time to counsel ahead of time.
- The pastor is away from his family when he doesn’t want to be. The pastor’s time belongs to everyone else.
- He misses family events because the sheep are bleating.
- Along side you; they are “The Church” to the community. They help you introduce others to the fragrance of God. They represent you and the LORD, in all they do.
- When someone is down mentally, physically, or spiritually, they lift him or her up. They are the Barnabas of reassurance.
- “The nature of the service provided by pastors and their families is unique. God has entrusted to them one of the most precious of assignments — the spiritual well-being of His flock. When a pastor becomes ineffective, the very souls of his or her parishioners are endangered. When eternity is in the balance, we should all be concerned.” Our pastors and teachers are held to a higher accountability (James 3:1).
- “Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures. Their lives are played out in a fishbowl, with the entire congregation and community watching their every move. They are expected to have ideal families, to be perfect people, to always be available, to never be down, and to have all the answers we need to keep our own lives stable and moving forward. Those are unrealistic expectations to place on anyone, yet most of us are disappointed when a pastor becomes overwhelmed, seems depressed, lets us down or completely burns out.”
What can you do?
- The most important thing for you to do is to celebrate you pastor by praying for:
- Their godly faith to increase.
- Their physical strength and stamina.
- The effectiveness of their teaching and guidance of the church.
- That God be glorified, and the body be built up and edified through his or her leadership
- Let the excitement of Christ show in and through all you do for God, the pastor, the church, and the community.
- Thank them for their talents and skills in leading.
- Thank them for equipping you with the Gospel and preparation of Ephesians 6:1-20.
- Ask them if you can pray over them. Get a group of believers together to pray before each service.
- Be a willing volunteer to lead alongside your pastor so they do not carry the weight alone (Exodus 17:12-14).
- Help them be encouraged to be leaders marked by humility, compassion and wisdom.
- Submit to their leadership and grow in respect and love toward your pastor.
- Pray that your Pastor will walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, in love, self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7) and without timidity — demonstrating courageous leadership.
- Pray for God’s blessings and a hedge of protection on your pastor and his family. Thank their spouse for their support.
- Pray for each family member that they will support their parent/pastor and the church they lead without growing weary.
- Support their God-appointed position by being in the seat each Sunday with someone who is unchurched — build the flock! That is your job, too! Amen?
- Pray for the congregation to be stirred up — excited — moving into the community to share the gospel (2 Timothy 1:6-7; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Philippians 4:13.
Note:
Christian Grandfather Magazine provides this reminder, lest we forget the importance of our shepherd, their calling and their guidance. We will provide a variety of Pastor Appreciation articles throughout the month of October to provide you with knowledge of, and ideas in how to appreciate your pastor on a congregational and individual basis.
References:
(excerpts from Pamela Palmer, Prayers for Pastors)
Andy Oldham is the founder and co-creator of Christian Grandfather Magazine. He received his B.A. in religious studies and education from Anderson University. He has served as pastor to senior adults, and fills pulpits when needed. Andy taught memoir classes at the local library and after writing his personal memoirs wrote Everlasting Cronies, a story of growing up in rural Louisiana. His inspirational column in the Northside Sun Newspaper was well received by his community. A poem, Winters Grace has been honored by the Mississippi Poetry Society. He and his wife, Barbara, have six grandchildren and enjoy retirement in Mississippi.
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Feature Photo created by Andy Oldham
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