Ideas for elders to help the local congregation to express gratitude to the pastoral family.
Many Evangelic churches choose the month of October as the "Appreciation Month for Pastors." In the same way there is a specific day in the calendar to celebrate certain professionals; we take a day to remember the pastor and his function. As a Seventh-day Adventist church, we set apart in our denominational calendar the fourth Sabbath of October as "The Pastor's Day." Meanwhile, we show appreciation and recognize our spiritual leader every day of the year.
Why is this day necessary?
The nature of the services rendered by the pastor and his family are very unique. God trusted them with one of the most precious responsibilities to take care of the spiritual well-being of His flock.
When a pastor fails in this objective, the church members are greatly hurt. In this context, the family pastoral team has a great responsibility to the church they serve.
The expectation of the church in general is that the pastor should have a model family, perfect children, always smiling and available. Better yet, and in addition of being a man with an alwaysready answer, he needs to have an elegant posture and never a conflict. Some members are disappointed when the pastor is depressed, have family or personal problems. The pastor's family lives in a glass house or a fish bowl, where the congregation sees every movement they make. Certainly, it never crosses the member's mind to think that he may be the cause of the pastor's worries or failures.
This is the reason why God instructs us to honor His servant and spiritual leader. "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching" 1 Tim. 5:17.
The good news is that we, as church members, should make a difference in the pastor's life. The Pastor's Day is an opportunity to express our love and appreciation for his ministry and the influence he exercises in our lives.
What can we do?
There are at least two ways to celebrate the Pastor's Day in a manner he would feel appreciated.
1. The first one is understanding what you can do personally to honor him. A simple note; a telephone call; a lunch invitation; a special prayer; wash his car; give him a gift or speak encouraging words to him.
2. The second one is sharing the concept of the Pastor's Day with the congregation. At that time the members can present some type of public recognition, promote a lunch at the church, give a gift from the members, plant a tree in his honor, etc.
There are no limits to the imagination.
Doesn't the pastoral family deserve this honor? Take the initiative to make plans to celebrate the Pastor's Day in your church and give value to the ministry instituted by God to be a blessing to His children.
Translated by Gladys B. Rfos from the Brazilian magazine: "Revista do Anciao" in Portuguese, from the South American Division.
