October is Minister Appreciation month. I hope you have a pastor in your life! If you do, I hope you appreciate him…and his wife and family, as well. Ministers and their families are blessings to many, although sometimes they can feel alone, even in the middle of a crowd. Occasionally, the 24/7 nature of the ministry can make a minister feel more like a problem-solver for others, and advisor in crises, a practical theologian for the flock…and an absentee spouse and parent. Your pastor needs interrupted time with family.
The Sunday/Wednesday pressure of preparing sermons or lessons can be pressing. No matter what happens, whether administrative needs, funerals, meetings, or basic interruptions during the day, Sunday will arrive right on time, as will Wednesday. Many people fail to understand why the pastor may have his door closed or be unavailable during certain times. Many pastors have been spoken poorly about during times reserved for study. Your pastor needs time to study and prepare to present God’s Word faithfully.
A pastor’s life can be one of on-call duties that most people never experience. Calls can occur in the middle of the night when someone is in an accident, has a medical emergency, or even a death. Calls such as these can come when the pastor is on vacation, as well. Sometimes pastors drive home for these emergencies and return to their families on vacation soon afterward. Some pastors have been known to abandon the vacation and bring their families home, as well. Your pastor needs time away from being on call all the time.
How can you express appreciation to your pastor or minister? Understand the position a little better. Understand he may not be able to answer a need immediately. Understand he has a family, needs rest, and needs time to study, not just for the congregation, but for himself, as well. Let him be human. Love him. Find a way to express your love for him. Give him a gift from your heart that says, “I love and appreciate you.” By the way, remember his wife and family, too. They deserve it.
