Where did Pastor Appreciation as a yearly observance begin? If you check the Hallmark website, you will find that they produced the first pastor appreciation cards in 2002. As for making it a yearly calendar event, I do not know. Nevertheless, may I offer a few thoughts from my heart on the best way to show appreciation to your pastor?
- Pray Scripture for him every day. He needs you to support him in the best way possible which is faithfully interceding on his behalf with meaningful, biblical supplication. He is in a spiritual battle each day, and shoulders the burden of caring for his flock, being caretaker at home and ministering to the sheep and the community. He needs you in the trenches with him. (Ephesians 6:10-19; Colossians 1:9-18, 27-28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-25; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 6:10-12; 2 Timothy 4:1-5)
- Be a believer that lives in the Word so the Word lives out of you. What a thrill to watch believers mature in Christ as they grow and change under the power of God’s Word. What a sadness and burden to see God’s children do the opposite. Watching believers disobey, harden their hearts and fall away is a major grief to a pastor’s heart. It will wake up him up at 3:45 in the morning with you on his mind . . . and he will pray for you. (Ephesians 4:17-32; 5:1-33; Philippians 1:21)
- Be faithful to attend the preaching services. If you love Christ, you will love His Church. If you love His Church, you will love and support the Word being preached in His Church by His shepherd. If your pastor spends hours in prayer and Bible study with you on his heart as he prepares, how encouraging it is to see your face in the crowd. He needs you there to pray while he preaches; to be engaged in his message; and to love him in spite of all his frailties. I know, he tells the same stories again and again, and familiarity can breed contempt as you just get used to him. But, he is under a strong command to “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2), and he will do so even if there is only one to listen. His pastoral heart is help his congregation through the greatest means in the world (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12). That doesn’t happen if you stay home. If you really appreciate your pastor, cheer him on by your faithful attendance! (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Hebrews 10:19-25)
I am truly grateful for the church the Lord has graciously allowed me to pastor for 16 years. I love them and this ministry dearly. They do express their appreciation throughout the year. My post today is to be a help not a hindrance. An attitude of thankfulness and appreciation should be the very heart of every believer for all things every day . . . not just in the months of October and November.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)
From A Pastor's Heart 