Tuesday, October 27, 2015

October: Pastor Appreciation Month

Before October is over, I want to bring to your attention that this month is Pastor Appreciation Month. Traditionally, members of a congregation show their gratitude to their pastor by doing something special. It could be bringing the family a meal, writing a note, or just making a point to say "thank you." Because my Dad is a pastor, I know firsthand how much work goes into preparing Sunday morning teachings, in addition to all the other in between meetings. Aside from teaching on Sunday, during the week pastors are preparing their hearts and messages for services or other activities like (as in my Dad's case) youth group, a men's meeting, and visiting those in the hospital or jail, or those who are facing difficult times. Pastoring is a full-time job. So much goes on behind the scenes that many people never find out about. They pick up the phone whenever it rings, and are constantly studying and preparing. Things come up spur of the moment that they have to attend to and in addition to having a full-time job, they are also on call. Many people assume that pastoring means simply getting up on Sunday and delivering a message, but it is SO MUCH MORE!

Next time that you see your pastor, youth leader, worship leaders, and other ministers, I encourage you to tell them "thank you." Show your gratitude by taking them a meal or sending a card. Over the years members of our congregation have done this for us, and it has truly been a blessing! Remember that it doesn't just have to be in October. So, to all the pastors out there, thank you!

Especially to you, Dad. . .
Thank you for taking your job seriously and remaining so dedicated. Thanks for being my pastor. . . even at home. I love you and want you to know that I am grateful to have you as my pastor, father, and youth leader. Thank you!

20 comments:

  1. Thank you, Bethany. You bless me, and I am very proud of you and the young woman after God's heart you are becoming. It is Mom and my great joy to be able to share our lives with you both, and to be a part of God raising you to know and love Him. Coming home to my family is that which I look forward to when I am out more than anything else (even more than coffee!). Love you!

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  2. Lovely tribute, Bethany! Jessica

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  3. YOU'RE A PASTOR'S DAUGHTER TOO???? Oh my goodness! SO AM I!!! I don't think I new that before! Thanks for this post! Our church always does a fantastic job making us feel special and I have to say Pastor Appreciation Sunday is my favorite Sunday of the year! :)

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    1. That's so coo! I sure didn't know that you were! I also know that for sure at least one more of us is a "PK" too! :-) (I don't feel at liberty to give her name:-)) Thanks for letting me know! That is really fun to know! And please tell your Dad "thank you" from the online PK that you know! Lol

      PK=Pastor's Kid

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    2. Am I the other PK, Bethany?? :)

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    3. Yes, you are, I just wanted you to make it public if you wanted to. ;-)

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  4. Yes! There is SO MUCH MORE that goes on that no one realizes!! :) The church where Dad is interim pastor right now, had a Pastor Appreciation meal Sunday before last. ;) Those people are so sweet!!!
    Sometimes only the PK's see all that goes into a sermon, lol. ;D Hehe.
    Thanks for the post, Bethany!!!

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    1. I'm glad to hear that your church also does something special for your family! Please also tell your Dad "thank you" from an online PK!

      I have such respect for my Dad when I see how much he is faithful to his job and the people in the congregation. It's really neat to have contact with two other girls who know EXACTLY what I feel!

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    2. I will!

      It's so great to be able to relate to you and Rebekah even if it isn't 'in person'. :) To chat with someone who's understands. Thank you so much for our friendship! =)

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    3. Yes, I know and I'm eager for the day when we can finally meet! And I hope that it is before heaven! I'm so glad that we have connected and that we are friends! :-D

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  5. Thanks for sharing this, Bethany! Our church tries to honor our pastor throughout the year during anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas time. It's good to know there is a month dedicated to our pastors. They do so much!
    Btw, I tagged you in the Awesome Food Tag on my blog if you have time to check it out :D

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    1. That's cool! And thanks for the nominations, is it okay if I answer the qu in a comment on your blog?

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    2. Okay, thank you! For easy access, would you mind giving me the link in a comment? Thanks!

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    3. Sure thing!
      http://les0498.blogspot.com/2015/10/im-back-and-awesome-food-tag.html?m=1

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  6. What an awesome tribute, Bethany. Yes, your dad is a wonderful Pastor and a very dear friend. We love him very much and really appreciate all that he does for so many! Of course, we love you, too as well as your mom and sis. :)

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    1. Thank you, Carla! We love you too! I'll be sure to pass it on to him and the rest of the family!

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Blessings,
Bethany R.