October is Pastor Appreciation Month, a time to recognize pastors and other clergy members' contributions and service. This is the month when congregation members can express their appreciation to their pastor for all they do for the congregation.
Pastor Appreciation Month is significant for three reasons.
Reason #1: Pastors Deserve Our Thanks
A pastor's job is not easy. They frequently work long hours, even on weekends and holidays. They are responsible for various tasks, including preaching, teaching, counselling, administration, and visiting the sick or homebound. They sacrifice time with their own families so that they can be available for their church families. In short, pastors sacrifice a lot for the sake of others. As such, they are deserving of our gratitude.
Reason #2: Pastors Need Our Intercession
Pastors, in addition to being hardworking, are human beings who face the same challenges and temptations that we all do. Pastors, in fact, are more vulnerable to criticism and attack than anyone else because of their position of authority within the church. We must remember them in our prayers and intercede for them. We should pray to God to keep them safe from Satan's schemes and grant them wisdom as they lead His people.
Reason #3: Pastors Value Our Gifts
While most pastors will tell you that they did not enter ministry for the money, it is still a nice gesture to show our gratitude for everything they do by giving them a gift during Pastor Appreciation Month (or any other time of year).
Here are eight ideas to get you started if you're stuck for ideas:
- A gift card to a local restaurant or cafe where they can unwind
- A heartfelt letter expressing your gratitude for everything they do
- A gift basket containing their favourite snacks or sweets
- A weekend getaway gift certificate
- Tickets to a play, symphony, or other cultural events
- An afternoon of free babysitting so that they can relax
- Simply saying "thank you" and offering genuine encouragement
Showing our appreciation for our pastors, in whatever form it takes, is an important way of honouring God and supporting those who serve Him faithfully day in and day out. Let us never take our pastors for granted but instead show them the appreciation they deserve all year!
Dear God, we thank you for calling our pastors to their positions. We thank you for bestowing spiritual gifts, talents, and skills on them at this critical time in our world's history. Lord, we pray for our pastors that you will help them lead with courage and strength. Send the right deacons, deaconesses, elders, and volunteers to lead alongside them so they are not alone. Assist them in becoming leaders who are humble, compassionate, and wise. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Pishshapmishko.
Pastor Charles Ed II Aguilar {President, Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference}