Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. It is a special time that congregations set aside each year to honor their pastors for the hard work, sacrificial dedication and blessings provided by these special people. It is typically scheduled in October, but can be held at any time that is convenient for the church and the community. It is also important to remember that appreciation, affirmation and prayer support of our spiritual leaders is appropriate throughout the entire year.

Why is Pastor Appreciation so important?

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. Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures. They are expected to always be available, 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, lets us down or burns out.

"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17).

Let's appreciate, acknoweldge and affirm what our pastors are doing in advancing the Kingdom of God, support them and pray for them always.