“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy…” (Philippians 1:3-4
KJV)
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| From http://orig07.deviantart.net/8701/f/2013/045/3/6/philippians_1_3_by_treybacca-d5uwlpl.jpg |
To read the previous posts in this
series, please see: Clergy Appreciation Month, ClergyAppreciation Month: Pastor Appreciation Sunday,
Clergy Appreciation Month: Laity Serving, and Clergy Appreciation Month: Encouragement.
As we come to the end of this month set aside to honor
pastors, let us not forget to honor and encourage our pastor and their families
the other eleven months of year! We all
need to be encouraged and spurred on as we live in this world. The same is true for our pastors, and perhaps
it is even more so. Pastors seem to
incur more than their fair share of criticism; therefore, words of
encouragement are precious as diamonds.
In the New Testament, we can read how Paul frequently
encouraged Timothy (see 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy), in his ministry.
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| From http://saltandlightbrigade.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/encouragement-week-11.jpg |
While Timothy was a young pastor, lacking self-confidence,
needing encouragement to fulfill his calling; the same is true for those
responding to their call today—no matter how long they have been pastoring.
In today’s world, being a pastor is a rewarding, challenging
call—sadly, it also sometimes is a thankless job. You will likely never fully know how much
your words of encouragement and support means to your pastor.
Use your imagination in honoring your pastor and their
families. Just be sure to let them know
how much you care. Share a word or two
of praise…be creative…it only needs to be heartfelt.
What have you done personally (or what has your church done)
to show appreciation to your pastor(s) during this month?
Please join with me in prayer:
Dear Lord, as we come to the end of
this special month, honoring pastors, help us to remember to encourage and
affirm them and their families throughout the year. Give us nudges through the Holy Spirit to
encourage our pastor when needed. We
thank you for our shepherd and family that you have sent us. Protect them from the attacks of Satan and
encourage them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
From My Heart to Yours,
Kim
