3. Bless Your Pastor
Hello, October. This month is my favorite time of the year. No, not because of the foliage and coziness of the season, though those are wonderful. This month’s post will tell you why. As promised today, my special guest is Tim Miller, Pastor of CFC in Mackinac, Michigan. I know his writing will bring a smile to your face.
by Tim Miller
Every month of the year has multiple month-long observances. February is Black History Month, March is Mustache March, July is National Ice Cream Month, September is Suicide Prevention Month, and here we are in October, and it is Pastor Appreciation Month. Yay!
Sure, Pastor Appreciation Month doesn’t get the hype that many of the other months do, likely due to the nature of the position. For example, I have a brother who is a lawyer, and there are some similarities, mainly that most people don’t think too much of the position until they need one. That’s a sad commentary.
When a person has a crisis, it’s the pastor who gets the 1:00 a.m. phone call.
When there’s a death in a family, it’s the pastor who is expected to bring words of comfort and encouragement and prepare a meaningful funeral service.
When a couple is struggling with a wayward child or in their marriage, they call their pastor for help.
These things and more are what pastors do and love to do. While I have been called upon in all of these situations, you need to know that I am blessed to live in a community that has respect for the clergy, and I have a congregation that has blessed me and my family greatly over several decades of ministry. In fact, in our church culture, we use the term “Church Family” when speaking of our body that worships together.
Let’s take a Biblical look at this position we call pastor.
In Ephesians 4:11-12, the Apostle Paul writes,
And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets,
some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers,
- Ephesians 4:11 (NASB)
There it is.
Pastor.
Pastor is part of the five-fold ministry of the church, and in my estimation, the pastor and teacher could be the most well-known and best understood positions of the five-fold ministry. So, since a pastor is a part of the headship of the church, what is his role in the five-fold ministry?
Let’s go on,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service,
to the building up of the body of Christ;
- Ephesians 4:12 (NASB)
Ah, your pastor’s calling is to equip you, the believer, to serve in the church and help in building up and encouraging other believers. So often, wonderful church members see the pastor’s role as taking care of everything in the church building, along with ministering to the body of believers.
Sorry, changing lightbulbs and mopping the floor are not listed here, although I don’t mind doing that. ;)
No, your pastor’s calling is to equip you.
So, I ask, have you allowed your pastor to equip you for ministry in your local church?
If not, give it a try.
Ask him or her, “Hey pastor, how can I get more involved in ministry here?”
Do this, and then be prepared to catch him as he faints! Seriously, when people have asked me that question, I am very encouraged, and I take it seriously because that is my responsibility and calling.
Since it is Pastor Appreciation Month, celebrated primarily on the second Sunday of October, here are some ways that you can bless your pastor.
Recognize them at your worship service. A pat on the back goes a long way for most people. Be sure to include the spouse and family. They often sacrifice time so your pastor can minister to the needs of others.
Have other church members write notes of gratitude and encouragement and give them to your pastor at various intervals during the month.
Have people invite your pastor and family over for a meal or give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant.
Take up a secret collection to purchase a larger gift item for your pastor and family.
These are only a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. As a pastor, I personally am encouraged by a simple, heartfelt thank you and a smile. :)
The month of October is just beginning, so you have plenty of time to be an encouragement to the person who nurtures you spiritually and prays for you regularly.
That's a Wrap.
Wasn’t that wonderful? :)
I hope you’re encouraged to show your pastor how appreciated and loved they are throughout October.
I sure am! And hey, if you’re reading this and you’re a pastor or minister:
THANK YOU. Your work for the Kingdom of God doesn’t go unnoticed.
If you enjoyed, be sure to tell Pastor Tim in the comments below.
Yours,
Merah
~ You are known. You are not forgotten. And you are loved by your Creator.~
