by Randy Harp
Pastoring a group of people known as a church is a great honor. The majority of pastors I know love their jobs. Yes, some joke ministry would be great if it wasn’t for people, and others may continue to pastor not knowing what else to do with their lives, but most serve because they love people and they love seeing lives changed by the power of the Gospel.
Though pastoring a church can be one of the most rewarding experiences, it can also be one of the most challenging. In a recent CNN Money report, senior pastor and worship pastor are in the top ten most stressful and underpaid jobs. According to Lifeway, more than half of pastors agree with the statement, “I find it is easy to get discouraged,” and 55 percent say being in pastoral ministry makes them feel lonely at times.
I am reminded of the help Moses needed in Exodus 17:8-13. Joshua’s battle with Amalek was successful so long as Moses held the rod of God up high. As Moses’ arms became tired, Aaron and Hur supported him and helped hold up his arms. In the same way, pastors need others as a source of help and encouragement. October, Pastor Appreciation Month, is a great time to do this (October 9 is Pastor Appreciation Sunday). First Timothy 5:17 says an elder (pastor) who serves well is worthy of double honor. Consider these options as you decide how to honor your pastor this month. (Make sure to also honor your entire pastoral team.)
Pray for him and with him
This is the most important thing you can do for your pastor on a regular basis. Pray for his walk with Christ, his family, and God’s leadership through him. Let him know you are praying for him. When possible, pray with him. Before you read anything else, stop and pray for your pastor now.
Write him an encouraging note
Very few people know all a pastor does, and most of his work is overlooked. When someone takes the time to handwrite a note, often it is the highlight of a pastor’s day. I personally have shoeboxes full of notes I received during my years as a pastor. When I needed a little extra encouragement, I would typically find myself perusing that box.
Make a video presentation to show in church and on social media
This will take some organization, but the video doesn’t have to be long to be impacting. Encourage those sharing to tell a story of how the pastor has impacted their lives.
Purchase a gift card to his favorite restaurant
You likely know where your pastor likes to eat. Purchase a gift card that allows him to take his family out to eat.
Purchase a gift card to a Christian bookstore or Amazon
Most pastors love to read, but few have a large enough library budget to purchase all the books they would like.
Send him on a fully-paid, all-inclusive weekend getaway
Yes, this is an expensive idea and not necessarily an idea for every year, but it could be exactly the thing your pastor and his family need.
Have his vehicle professionally detailed
If your pastor isn’t in a position to purchase a new vehicle any time soon, help the one he currently has look as good as new.
With his input, give his office a makeover
The key in this one is “with his input.” Few things will perk up an office like a fresh coat of paint. Make sure he is comfortable in the place where so much of his work takes place.
Love on his wife
Many reports state the most difficult job in the country is that of a pastor’s wife. By far, one of the most encouraging things you can do for your pastor is to take good care of his wife. Make sure to include the pastor’s wife during Pastor Appreciation Month.
Love on his kids
According to a Focus on the Family survey, four out of five pastors feel their children have been negatively impacted by their ministry. There is a lot more to loving on the pastor’s kids than simply keeping them away from the deacons’ kids.
BONUS
Yes, it is good there is a month set aside each year to recognize and appreciate our pastors, but we are not limited to this month. It should occur all throughout the year. There are a number of ways to do this, but the most practical may be to encourage lay leadership at church to establish a pastoral care team tasked with overseeing the wellbeing of your pastors and their families.