Pastor/Staff Appreciation October is coming, and the question is, “Have you thought about your pastor, youth minister and deacons’ appreciation for the service they do for your church?” We shouldn’t just wait until one time of the year, but we should show appreciation often for the service they give to your church. “Often pastors feel like they’re in a NASCAR race, It’s hard to manage it all. You hit the gas and you just go, go, go.” I want you to know that I know being a pastor or church staff member is the most difficult job in the world. While it has unbelievable high, we know leading volunteer armies and facing an enemy (Satan and his demons) we may or may not encounter on a regular basis. Pastors have given their lives to serve people only a daily basis. Two of the most important words that we can ever say is “thank you.”
- Thank you for going to God on our behalf and praying for us daily.
- Thank you for studying God’s Word and communicating its truths to us in a compelling fashion.
- Thank you and your family for being willing to live in a fishbowl.
- Thank you for demonstrating grace, love and patience when people question your motives and competency. Sheep may be dumb, but they bite. And they have a taste for pastors and church staff.
- Thank you for putting in countless hours.
- Thank you for being men of impeccable character and integrity.
- Thank you to your spouses and children for their willingness to share you with us.
- Thank you for challenging and then helping us live a life of meaning and purpose.
- Thank you for presiding over the landmark moments of our lives—baptisms, weddings and funerals.
- Thank you for having the courage to tell us about the sin in our lives and our need for repentance and a Savior.
- Thank you for walking with us through tragedy, marital troubles, raising children and life’s great challenges.
- Thank you for the periodic phone calls, texts and emails just to see how we are doing.
- And most of all, thank you for not quitting each Monday.
In conclusion, we will thank you every day of eternity for serving us, the church and our Lord so well. “Thank you” is not nearly enough, but I hope these two words encourage you today.
Churches need to recognize the hard work that the pastor and his staff accomplish for the church and the Lord. How to do this? Gift cards, handwritten notes, a money tree, a vacation package, detail their cars, baby sit their kids for a night out to eat, old fashion pounding (for those who don’t know what this is—it is staple foods given by members called a pounding), a new suit, but the best gift is your faithful attendance to church services.
Charlotte Johnson
1st Vice President