Why We Can’t Afford to Wait Until October to Say Thank You!

margaret posted on May 10, 2009

It’s no secret that Pastor Appreciation Month is in October. That’s the month when churches show appreciation for their leaders through cards, gift certificates, words of encouragement, gifts, and other kindnesses. We celebrate all the work leaders put into sharing their love for Jesus and humanity as they serve. 

Yet my heart is heavy for some of the struggles friends in ministry are facing:

• One leader who was riding her bike was randomly hit by a car. Though she’s recovery, she still has a ways to go. 
• Another leader’s wife tried to commit suicide. Though she’s been discharged, the road to healing is a long one.
• Some friends in ministry were robbed–twice in two weeks–and had tens of thousands of dollars of equipment stolen.
• Another leader is just stepping into leadership–making decisions, raising up other leaders, and learning to handle his role in ministry. He’s facing all the insecurities and fears that naturally arise when you try something new.
• Another leader has had his pay reduced by 40 percent, and wonders how he and his family will survive. 
• Another leader just watched his daughter get divorced and his son walk away from the faith. 
• Another leader is blessed with a growing congregation but lacks the funds or availability of another building in his area to buy, rent or borrow. The frustration mounts. 

So please don’t wait until October to say thank you. Odds are the pastors of your church (including you if you’re on staff!)–and their wives–are living on call 24/7. When something terrible happens in the night, they’re there. When someone is in the hospital, they’re there. When someone is in crisis, they’re there. But it doesn’t come without a cost. Yes, they’re called. Yes, they’ve chosen this way of service as a lifestyle to serve Jesus. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need your kindness, encouragement, love, support, and a night out without the kids throughout the year.

Margaret Feinberg is an author and speaker and part of the Creative Team. Visit her at www.margaretfeinberg.com, on Facebook  and on Twitter: mafeinberg.