It’s no secret that Pastor Appreciation Month is in October. That’s the month when churches show appreciation for their leaders through cards, gift certificates, words of encouragement, gifts, and other kindnesses.
But over the last few weeks my heart has been weighed down by some of the struggles friends in ministry are facing:
-Financial tough times. Several churches around the country are closing their doors to a lack of attendance or ends not being able to meet.
-An overwhelmed and burned out mom who also leads multiple ministries in her church.
-Family and marital struggles. One dear pastor friend is struggling with a recent marital separation and how to effectively navigate healing his marriage while leading a church and his children.
-Another leader is just stepping into leadership–making decisions, raising up other leaders, and learning to handle his role in ministry. He’s facing all the insecurities and fears that naturally arise when you try something new.
So please don’t wait until October to say thank you. Odds are your pastors–and their wives–are living on call 24/7 whether you realize it or not. When something terrible happens in the night, they’re there. When someone is in the hospital, they’re there. When someone is in crisis, they’re there. But it doesn’t come without a cost. Yes, they’re called. Yes, they’ve chosen this way of service as a lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need your kindness, encouragement, love, support, and a night out without the kids throughout the year.
What are ways you can thank your pastor this week?
**Photo courtesy of here
