The second Sunday in October is generally recognized across the nation as Pastor Appreciation Week and October as Pastor Appreciation Month.
I have said it several times over the past 26 years I have served as editor of the Baptist and Reflector and I will say it again. Let your pastor and other staff ministers (or the entire staff for that matter) know that you appreciate their ministry to your congregation.
Too many congregations take their staff for granted, particularly the pastor. Church members tend to think that their pastors are just like them — they only have to work 40 hours a week and the rest of the time is their own.
That is simply not true. Pastors are on call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or someone you love is rushed to the emergency room, or worse yet, is killed in an accident during the night, you want your pastor to know immediately. You’re not willing to wait for “office hours.”
Lonnie Wilkey
Southern Baptists (and I suppose every denomination is the same in this regard) expect their pastor to be perfect the day he accepts the call but it doesn’t stop there. It’s sort of like being an umpire or referee. People expect you to be perfect when the game begins and get better as the game progresses. It’s not going to happen. The same is true in ministry. People have unrealistic expectations of their pastor and church staff.
We need to remember all pastors have different gifts. Some may be better preachers. Others may be better “pastors.” Notice the quotation marks. A good preacher may not be a good pastor and vice versa. Some pastors are more equipped to shepherd their flocks than others. Some pastors may be excellent administrators. The key is to not expect every pastor to be good at all of those. That is why we have other staff ministers. And, yes, I am making a statement here. A church has one pastor (or senior pastor if you insist) and that is the man who brings God’s Word to the congregation Sunday after Sunday, month after month.
Ultimately, the only two things that should matter is that the pastor preaches God’s Word without compromise and that he loves his people. We should not expect him to be “Superman.”
Don’t take your pastor for granted. On any given Sunday there are about 400 churches in Tennessee that do not have a pastor.
As October approaches, think of some ways your congregation can say “thank you” to your pastor. The majority of churches in Tennessee only have a pastor. If your church has additional ministers, say “thank you” to them as well.
How can you honor your pastor? Gifts cards are always welcome. Just a handwritten note expressing your love and appreciation of their ministry will mean so much to them. Find out what the pastor likes and give an appropriate gift and don’t forget his wife. She is a vital part of his and the church’s ministry.
Consider giving your pastor and his wife a trip to relax and get away from the stresses of the church for a few days. The Tennessee Baptist Conference Centers offers rooms at a discounted rate of $45 per night for pastors and paid church staff. If you have stayed in a hotel room during the past 12 months, you know what a great bargain this is.
Both conference centers (Carson Springs in Newport and Linden Valley in Linden) provide a perfect setting. Keep in mind this for one room per reservation on an “as space is available” basis.
For more information on this option, contact Susan Mason at Carson Springs at smason@tnbaptist.org or Lindsey Morgan at Linden Valley at lmorgan@tnbaptist.org.
Regardless of what you do, just let them know they are loved and appreciated.
