October 2003

October is Pastor's Appreciation Month. What a wonderful time to say thank you to your Pastor for his heart for the Lord and his leadership of your church. Often, we try to send suggestions of ways to thank your pastoral family during this special month.

But this year we would like to challenge you to a few specifics that would show appreciation all year long.

How about:

1. A monthly note of thanks. It is great to say "thank you" in October, but what a meaningful thing to receive a note of thanks at other points in the year. With all the problems your pastor works to solve, how about a funny card each month with a note of thanks. That would surely bring a smile to his face.
2. Assign a different Elder to call the pastor each week. A pleasant call, an encouraging call, brief and helpful. With at least four elders, one could call the first week, one the second, etc. Just a call to pray together. A call of support, not a call of complaint nor problem. What a great way to say, "We are with you."
3. Pray daily for your pastor, his wife and family. Pray for the Lord's joy to fill them daily. Pray for their marriage, their children and their daily schedules. Pray for the church family and the leadership of the church. The best way to make your church better is to pray for your pastor and the ministry God has given us together.

One of the little sayings that came across Carol's desk recently was "Don't expect your church to be perfect. After all, then YOU couldn't belong." And maybe we can't be perfect, but we can be loving and supportive. Not just yearly, but monthly, weekly and daily.

That kind of support can help your pastor be able to say:

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service." (1 Timothy 1:10)

- John and Carol