The second Sunday in October is annually celebrated as Pastor Appreciation Day or Clergy Appreciation Day in the U.S. Officially established in 1992, the day grew to include the whole month, but it is still meant exactly as it sounds – to appreciate the pastors and staff that help your church function day in and day out.
It’s already been said that this year has been like no other one. Difficulties have been presented to everyone, but the Church has stood strong and continued on. Paul mentions honoring “those whose work is preaching and teaching” in his first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 5:17) and again in 1 Thessalonians (5:12-13). As Arkansas Baptists, we’ve seen and heard about the examples you’ve set and the things you’ve done for your church staff.
Some have placed baskets or bins in their lobbies for the congregation to write notes of encouragement. Some had their small groups go out and buy gifts to present to each staff member.
At New Life Baptist Church in Alexander, their congregation collected money for each staff member and presented it to them during one of the worship services in October.
“Knowing that what you do makes a difference and that people are touched by the ministry you provide, means so much,” Lindsey Harrison, Children’s and Preschool Director at New Life Baptist, said. “Nothing I do for our God is meant for recognition for myself, it is always meant to bring glory to Him and I continuously pray that He will always get the recognition for our ministry work.”
As we’ve seen how quickly the months can fly by, sometimes the moment comes and goes without notice. Dale Noe, pastor at Brown’s Chapel in Paragould, felt a burden to reach out to other pastors to encourage them and send them a book, “The 23rd Pastor” written by Dr. John McCallum.
Just because the month of Pastor/Staff Appreciation has come and gone, doesn’t mean you can’t still encourage and lift up your church staff. We encourage all Arkansas Baptists to always pray and lift up your church staff, especially in times like these.
If you’re looking for one more way to encourage or uplift your church staff, our giveaway hasn’t ended yet. November 3 is the last day to get in your nominations. The winner will be announced Wednesday, November 4 on the ABSC Facebook page.
To enter, click here.