Scripture is crystal clear about the importance of honoring our pastors, yet the pastor is often the one who is left to initiate it. I have experienced three decades of this awkwardness as a lead pastor since Focus on the Family initiated Pastor Appreciation Month in 1994.
In this article, I want to write directly to key church leaders who are in a position to do something special for their pastor(s) and spouse(s). If you are interested in creating a culture of double-honor in your church, here are four ideas to help prime the pastor appreciation pump in your church.
1. Own The Initiative
In this short post I will share a few simple ideas to help you pull this off, however what good are ideas without someone to implement them? God bless those who will take the initiative to step up and lead out. If you do, I believe your church will follow your lead and your pastor will appreciate your efforts tremendously.
Aaron and Hur stepped up by lifting up Moses’s hands during a crucial battle: “When Moses’ hands grew heavy … Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down” (Exodus 17:12).
Your pastor needs an Aaron or Hur to do for him what he cannot do for himself.
2. Recognize Your Pastor Publicly
“Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you” (1 Thess 5:12).
Respect is rarely more than a noble sentiment. A Pastor Appreciation Day or Month can help your church members translate private sentiments into public expressions of love, respect, and appreciation. A public blessing on Sunday morning increases the positive impact exponentially – for your pastor, your church, and your Lord.
3. Encourage Your Pastor Personally
“Regard them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thess 5:13).
There has never been a more difficult time to lead a congregation through toxic social, political, and spiritual chaos than now. As your pastor imperfectly loves and leads the congregation entrusted to him, he is likely being second guessed by some, including himself. Pastors need encouragement every week, so try not to overthink ways to show him love and respect personally. A short note or text will mean more than you may realize. Offer to take him to an agenda free lunch occasionally just to clarify that he is a beloved member of your church family, and not just a hired hand.
4. Bless Your Pastor Tangibly
The pastor’s job is to take care of his church, and it is the church’s job to tangibly take care of their pastors. Your pastor’s job and joy is to keep watch over you (Heb 13:17), but sometimes he needs you to watch over him – and his wife – as well.
My favorite idea is to leave a blessing basket in the worship lobby on Sundays in October for people to leave cards and gifts for their pastor(s).
“The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium (double-honor), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).
October is a great opportunity for church members to honor and bless our pastor(s), but if your church calendar won’t cooperate – do it any time of the year like a key anniversary or birthday. God bless you for blessing your pastor!
(If you are a pastor, please forward this post to the appropriate leader)
One Response
Excellent