HONORING MY PASTOR

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

In case you haven’t heard or may have forgotten, October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  Therefore, on this first day of the month, I would like to take the opportunity to share some of the many things I appreciate about the man God has placed in our church to lead our sometimes wild and wooly flock.  Although my words may not be eloquent, they are deeply heartfelt, and I hope will inspire others in our congregation to express thanks to God and to our pastor for meeting our needs in such a generous way.

To begin with, I am thankful for the lessons my pastor has taught me.  Surprisingly, most of this instruction has been gained through his good example and not only through his sermons.  His kindness, gentleness, and, most of all, his desire to preserve unity often convicts me of my selfishness and impatience.  When I have come to him angry and hurt—often huffing and puffing in indignation—he has always caused me to consider the other person’s feelings and to empathize with their situation.  Not historically my knee-jerk reaction, but I must admit the most Christ-like approach.  And, thanks to his consistency, I am actually beginning to think this way on my own—maybe not immediately, but if you give me some time, I’m getting there.

Secondly, I am thankful for my pastor’s tireless devotion to his charge.  I am serving on three teams right now, sing in the choir, and attend a Wednesday morning Bible study.  Being one of the more whiney sheep in the flock, I sometimes feel as though I am “always” at the church and  even throw an occasional pity party for myself and a few of my closest friends (aren’t they lucky?).  Then I think about my pastor.  He attends many of the meetings of which I am a part—and many, many more of which I am not.  He makes himself available to our congregation throughout the week, listens to our dreams and struggles, visits us when we are ailing, and rejoices in our successes.  And, incredible to me as a writer, He also finds the time to seek God’s direction, to study, and to write down the words that God lays on his heart to share on Wednesday night, Sunday morning, and Sunday night.  His is a God-sized task, and for his willingness to serve without audible complaint, I am thankful.

Thirdly, but certainly not finally, I am thankful for my pastor’s humility.  In fact, I am sure he’s not going to be thrilled about this article.  But, because of the month and because he has allowed me this space, I just had to share my heart.  (Sorry, David.  Really just giving thanks and glory to God for His awesome provision.)  I am thankful to be led by a man who looks for opportunities to equip others and to provide them the freedom to serve God as they are called.  It is a blessing to work with someone who is not afraid to try new things, who respects the giftedness of the body he directs under Christ, and who challenges us all to ponder why we are here.

There is much more I could write—about his example as a husband and father, his patience, his vision and wisdom, and his perseverance—but I am afraid of outlasting my readers.  Let it suffice to say that I genuinely appreciate my pastor.  I hope you’ll join me in honoring him—and all the ministers who have been called to the often thankless task of herding sheep—this month and even in the months that follow.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!