copyright(c)2015 Daneille Gray Snowden
2015
WHAT PASTORS WANT FOR PASTOR'S APPRECIATION
DAY
by Daneille Gray Snowden
Majority of Pastor's truly 'blush' at the thought of having a special month set aside to show them specifically; appreciation. Pastors for the most part, live daily in hopes to minister to the hurting, hungry, hopeless and so on. Personally, for us; it's a JOY to reach out and love others with God's Love; leading them to a closer walk with Him.
Pastors have been misunderstood for countless reasons. If pastors and parishioners alike would keep on the forefront of their mind; we are not perfect. We will not make the perfect decisions, or say the perfect word all the time; but, we walk humbly, with a heart for people. May all who know us, see that heart always. We may become tired and worn; but with the heart of God's Love we continue on, by serving others.
Appreciation means: thankful recognition, estimating the qualities, rise in value, & gratitude. To be recognized, even just a bit.
Note how much there is value of a pastor today compared in the olden times; the Pastor had great notoriety, and was very much respected in the community. God's Word was regarded more so as a Guide on Living out daily life, so those who delivered, and taught God's Word were valued. Prayer was essential, thus when the Pastor (& family) was called in for prayer; it was vital to people.
Yet, today the value of these qualities are not esteemed in our society as they once were. I remember as a little girl how proud I was to tell others my father was a pastor; and I would receive such positive remarks back. Today, the majority response is basically non appreciative.
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Why?
-Cause God's Word is NOT the *Christian's Study Guide to life.
-God's directives on holy living is not received; for most have developed their own life styles (contrary to God's Word).
-Preaching the Gospel (the Good News...story of Jesus) is boring and just old hat, seemingly not applicable.
-Little Praying; although some do pray and are interceding or BELIEVING that God still heals, provides, & directs.
- Not Worshiping; Yet, through out history all types of 'WALLS' have fallen through worship & lifting Jesus up.
-Little serving others and unity in the Body of Christ; people are busy. They are distracted, the blinders of self are hindering the blessing of serving one another. It takes up our precious time, money or strength.
Yet, the call to Pastor and what his duties are, have not changed. Sometimes, the methodology may have to (as long as it aligns to the Word of God). So, with the above statements regarding the WHY's of there being less appreciation for the office of pastor - Pastors today are leaving the ministry by the boatloads. Their health has been attacked (due to stress), pastors are quite lonely, they are judged and live under not just one big microscope but many different kinds too!
As Aaron and Joshua were there to lift up Moses during his time of leadership in battle; today Pastors need more and more the same edification. They won't tell ya that; they will serve and serve till they are taken to glory; but deep within they just need simple gratitude.
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'What Pastors want for 'Pastor's Appreciation Day.'
1.) To be LOVED...accepted for who they are; including their wives & children.
2.) A pat on the back, hug or handshake acknowledging their service to the congregation and community.
3.) Affirmation (endorse, confirm): Confirm their message and service if you feel what they said or did was what you needed. [It helps to hear this.]
4.) Come early to church to pray for the service.
5.) Help clean the church, or mow the lawn, fix something that is broken.
6.) Bring others to church. Seeing the 'flock' reproducing means so much to a pastor.
7.) Invite them over for dinner.
8.) Send them a note of thanks.
9.) Do something special for their children & spouse. Many times their children do not live close to grandparents and other relatives. I still today call a lady in my parents church: 'Aunt Dorothy'. She was like an aunt to me, and still is today.
10.) Stay after church and clean the bathrooms + empty the trash.
11.) Pastors LOVE to go on vacation like most everyone else. Many times though their work is constant, or the finances are too low to go anywhere. As a church body; send your Pastor family off to a refreshing vacation.
12.) A financial 'love-offering' is a blessing. Pastor will never say that is what they want, but many times it could be what they need.
13.) Have a special Sunday where the leadership takes the service and honors their pastor and their family. [It may be quite over-whelming for the Pastor & family; but they need to 'hear & see' for themselves how much the Body they serve loves them.]
14.) Does the pastor need anything...some pastors may need a new computer, Bible, car or such. Investigate and find out... anything that can ease the burden will help the pastor do his job even better.
15.) PRAY! PRAY! PRAY for your pastor! Many Pastors will tell you when they can 'feel' the prayers working on behalf of the saints of God. They also can tell you when they need the prayer and don't feel the intercession for them. Although; God is faithful to carry them; the Power of Intercession is a must for ministers today. Satan is fighting with all his devious schemes to attack Pastors. It's painful, cruel at times and all pastors NEED the Body of Christ to pray for them.
16.) Stand With Your Pastor...especially when times are hard at the church. Don't do a disappearing act. It's NOT the pastors church...the body is comprised of all the souls attending...thus, we need to support our leadership.
17.) Don't just do this on Pastor Appreciation month, make it a habit to do it as often as you think of it. Encourage others in your church to do the same. This is contagious, and as visitors come in they will see a solid, unified, loving bunch of folks; thus they will want to be a part of it.
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| PRAY FOR YOUR PASTORS. |
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Things That Were Done For Us (to name a few);
*My husband's father was in a terrible accident far away, (20 hrs.+). The church paid for him to go be with him. The same as when there have been deaths, sickness in our family; they encouraged us to go be with our family (even if we had to miss a Sunday). THAT SUPPORT WAS COMFORTING at a very difficult time.
*Our first church bought my husband an entire (expensive) set of commentaries, and me a set of Tupperware. I was a young mother then and it was so nice.
*Special meals on a Sunday, with cards & $.
*A meal a day was made for us one time for an entire month.
*Each one got up and shared at a special service. They all prayed over us.
*Paid for date night.
*Watched our children.
And much more. We have been dearly blessed with very loving people in our churches. We LIVE TO SERVE, and being loved back just stokes up the passion to do more for the Kingdom of God!
Jeremiah 3:15 "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
Romans 10:14 "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"
Hebrews 13:7 "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
