NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Thank you! There is nothing like a heartfelt “thank you.” It warms the heart, and it lets individuals know that they’re doing a good job and are appreciated for the work being done. However, it’s not uncommon for us to overlook the “thank you” simply because we don’t think about it or we begin to take for granted the person doing the work. This is why I’m so grateful to the Arkansas Baptist State Convention for taking the time and effort to highlight during October how important it is to thank those who have taken on the responsibility of leading our churches across Arkansas.
Perhaps you’ve never thought about it, but the truth is ministry can be lonely and thankless at times. It’s understood that to do ministry we are encouraged to give ourselves away, and for most of us the work itself is the reward. We know that it’s not about getting recognition for work we are called to do. We also know that most of what we do will never be seen by anyone, and we are content in knowing that God knows.
That being said, I would like to remind all of us that the men and women who have answered God’s call to ministry deserve a heartfelt “thank you.”
Thank them for giving up precious family time to spend time with members of their local congregations – for the time and effort spent strategizing on how to grow the church and win the lost, visiting people in the hospital, preparing to teach and preach, working with deacons and other leaders in the church, recruiting volunteers, dealing with church finances, counseling those in need, working with our children and youth, casting vision, and then leading in getting it done.
For all of these things and more please remember to say, “Thank you,” to those who have answered God’s call to serve local Arkansas churches.
Mark M. Dewbre is administrative pastor at Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock.
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