Pastor’s Appreciation Month

YEARS OF SERVICE

October is Pastor’s Appreciation Month. It is a special time to recognise and celebrate the dedication and tireless efforts of our pastors.

Pastoral ministry is more than turning up on Sabbath, preaching a sermon, shaking a few hands and returning home. It involves many responsibilities such as administration, Bible studies, baptisms, community outreach, discipling, evangelism, funerals, hospital visits, leadership, marriage counselling, mentoring, preaching, praying, sermon preparation, spiritual guidance, teaching, visitation, weddings… the list goes on. Unlike a 9-5 job that you can leave when you go home, the demands of pastoral ministry often require working evenings and weekends too.

It is important to remember that pastors don’t carry the weight of ministry alone. Their families are involved in supporting their ministry. They often make sacrifices to allow their spouse or parent to dedicate time and energy to serve others. The unseen work of pastor’s spouses and children, who endure irregular hours and the frequent demands of ministry, deserves special recognition.

Here are four ways you can show appreciation for your pastor:

Pray for Them — Lift up your pastor and their family in prayer. Pray for their health, spiritual strength, and protection from discouragement. Prayer is a powerful way to support their ministry.

Write a Personal Note — A letter or card expressing your gratitude can be really encouraging. Mention specific ways their ministry has impacted your life.

Offer Practical Help — Consider volunteering to help around the church or in the pastor’s home, such as yard work, childcare, or organising a church event. Small gestures can ease the load they carry.

Give a Thoughtful Gift — Whether it’s a gift card to their favourite restaurant, a care package, or something personalised, a thoughtful gift shows that you value their hard work and dedication.