I can’t even start to write what I’m thinking right now about the recent pastor’s appreciation celebration at my church, Bethel. The outpouring of love and support was unreal! I’ve never seen a church celebrate their pastors like this before. My Dad has been a pastor my whole life, my grandfather, and other friends, and I’ve never seen a church go all out with a meal and the gifts. This is my first pastors appreciation luncheon at Bethel, since I just came on staff about 8 months ago. I was shocked.
It led me to think about how encouraging that was to me and how every church should be doing this! If I wasn’t a pastor, I would start this in my church. Not only do I think it is Biblical, but ministry work can be very frustrating and discouraging at times. People don’t always think to be encouraging in churches, and any time you receive a card or email or gift of some sort of encouragement, it is very much appreciated. I guess this would be the case in any vocation. Before entering full-time ministry I was teaching in a public school. Very rarely did teachers receive any encouragement. Just more work and data to fill in. I’m sure other people don’t receive encouragement in their work either.
I am reminded of Joses, a guy who was so encouraging that the disciples called him Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.” Barnabas was the only one who accepted Paul at first (Acts 9:26-27), was noted for encouraging the people at Antioch (Acts 11:22-23), and even departed company with Paul after a dispute in good relations (Acts 15:36-41).
What if each one of us could be so encouraging to others that we become labeled as being just that- an encourager? How much easier would it be for pastors to minister, or teachers to do their jobs, or parents to care for their children if they received encouragement regularly? It’s something to think about.
Thank you, Bethel, for encouraging me as I minister through our church. I love serving you.
Iam so happy to see that you enjoyed the dinner. You greatly deserved the kind words an gifts . I have not known you long nor have we been attending bethel long ,but just in the 5months we have you have helped our family. An I just hope for the others you will continue , with the gift that the lord has blessed you with
I’m coming to your next Pastor’s appreciation thing, it sounds like a blast! Every year, MMBA, the association we are a part of, has one and every year they have crab cakes – it’s super fancy and they usually have a decent speaker come in and sometimes music. The problem is, I went to the first one and haven’t been to one since, we always end up having something going on with our students. Not to toot my own horn, but wouldn’t it be amazing if we found ourselves too busy to be recognized/appreciated – woah – think about Jesus, did He set this example? Dude’s popularity was rising, He was going day and night! He told His disciples, “You give them something to eat.” Their solution “Send them away” – He’s like, “no, ain’t happenin”
I am so thankful your church recognizes how blessed they are to have you, and they seek to affirm you in that.
also…
my mentor from Huntington U, he recently wrote this on a blog – your thoughts?
“I love the affirmation from others. However, one of my ministry pet peeves is Pastor appreciation month. I value the notes and words of encouragement when folks aren’t told to do so. However, as I have gotten older I am finding a lot of satisfaction from the fruit of ministry whether people see it or appreciate it or not.”