We are now in October, which is Pastor Appreciation Month. A couple of years ago, I shared a blog post reminding pastors how to respond during this time.
Some churches will go above and beyond expectations in expressing their appreciation to their pastor. Other churches will all but ignore this season.
It can be so very easy for the latter group of pastors to feel neglected as they see their peers post about the ways their churches express appreciation. If that’s you, don’t feel discouraged.
God has placed you in your specific congregation for a few very specific purposes: that you may proclaim the glory of Jesus Christ, that you may call people to repentance and faith in Christ through the gospel, and so that you may be shaped into the image of Christ.
While ministry is always hard, it can be especially so in this season. We still are dealing with the ongoing effects of a global pandemic. Many churches are struggling to come out of that season with any kind of momentum.
Perhaps you’re dealing with some discouragement as attendance numbers don’t recover as quickly as you’d hoped. Perhaps you’re looking at budget numbers and considering major changes that must occur as we approach a new year.
In all of this, I want to simply say, “Thank you!” Thank you for serving your church and the kingdom of God well. Thank you for laboring for the sake of the gospel in your community. Thank you for your commitment to seeing the Great Commission fulfilled.
None of this is easy, but it is so worth it.
You have some major cheerleaders here at the North American Mission Board and, specifically, on the Replant Team. We love pastors who are serving in difficult places!
Let me share with you some free resources that can encourage you:
— NAMB has a number of free evangelism tools available for your church. If you need some help equipping and encouraging your folks to be on mission in sharing the gospel in your community, check these out. On that page, you’ll also find a free book available each quarter to help equip and encourage you in your leadership.
— Here at NAMB, pastors are our No. 1 customer! We want to serve and encourage you in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected] if you need someone to talk with, to pray with you or to simply encourage you as you labor in the field of local church ministry.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do, pastor. We love you!
Published October 6, 2021
