5 Reasons and 5 Ways to Honor Pastors During Pastors Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and while churchgoers might think the “good sermon, pastor” sentiments they give on their way out the door is enough, today’s church leaders serve as a light to millions of people in a dark world.

Perhaps at no other time in history have America’s pastors been more needed in this culturally significant time, says the American Pastors Network.

For that reason, APN is suggesting five reasons and five ways to appreciate and honor pastors this month.

“We know from research that pastors can feel isolated and sometimes unappreciated,” said APN board member Gary Dull, who also serves as executive director of the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net) and leads a church in Altoona, Pa. “Those feelings can sometime lead to early burnout, and today’s churches need committed pastors who are sold out to preaching the whole counsel of God now more than ever. Even a small word of encouragement or gesture of appreciation can make all the difference in a pastor’s life. And what better time than Pastor Appreciation Month!”

5 Reasons to Appreciate Pastors

  1. Pastors are “on call” 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They often must break away from their own families to help someone in the church through a difficult situation.
  2. Pastors are selfless and make daily sacrifices for their congregations.
  3. Pastors make the Word of God and His Truth plain and simple so we may apply it to our everyday lives.
  4. Pastors are people, too! Churches tend to put their leaders on a pedestal, but they also have joys and struggles, hobbies and favorite things.
  5. Pastors have followed God’s call to give up their own life and their own desires to serve others.

5 Ways to Appreciate Pastors

  1. Tag your pastor in a social media post with the hashtag #pastorappreciation and tell your friends, family and fellow church members what you appreciate about your pastor.
  2. Send a personal thank you note or card and let your pastor know how your life has been bettered.
  3. Make and deliver dinner to your pastor’s family, invite them to your home or take them out for a meal, not only to express appreciation, but to also get to know them better.
  4. Find out your pastor’s hobbies and interests, and consider giving a gift card or certificate for an experience to enjoy “off duty.”
  5. Give your pastor a gift from the APN online store, which includes resources that will rejuvenate and refresh your pastor. Now through the end of October, use the code MYPASTOR for a 25 percent discount on the purchase of the U-Turn DVD set, which are recordings from an APN church leader conference and transformative information.

14 thoughts on “5 Reasons and 5 Ways to Honor Pastors During Pastors Appreciation Month

  1. Very insightful. I appreciate all Pastors at Ridgeway’s Baptist church Nairobi for their selfless dedication in their areas of support, big thank you to children’s Pastor ,Pst.Dan u have made it easy for our kids to know who God is love Him, love Sunday school n look forward to coming to church hence making it easy for us parents to get them ready for church n avoiding us getting late for morning service.

  2. My name is Prophet Dr. Emmanuel Amoah Frank the general overseer of No Weapon Prayer Center International at Ghana-Kumasi.

    I want to bee apart of this Pastor’s Network.

  3. Happy to hear about you
    I’m so encouraged by your words
    I’m a Pastor in India (Full time ordained) since 26years
    Please pray for our ministry New Covenant Gospel Church
    Thank you.

  4. Have been blessed reading your article.I am a pastor in Nairobi in Kenya.Pastoring in the slum of kibera.I agree pastors needs to be appreciated.

  5. I’m blessed with your message. I’m a pastor based in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. I’m going through challenging times with the ministries growth. Please I need your prayers in intercession.
    Name : Pastor Absalom Ocansey
    Ministry: Tower of Hope Foundation Ministries

  6. Galatians 6:6-10 ESV
    One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

  7. Galatians 6:6-10
    One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Amen

  8. Thanks for opening our thoughts.it didn’t occur to me the importance of direct appreciation message to Pastors I always felt like a bother to them,Thanks alot. My special appreciation goes to Senior Pastor Wanje Rigeways Baptist Church Nairobi. Very humble kind and welcoming. His wisdom in sharing the word of God has really transformed my life, God bless u Pastor n long life n good health. Proud of u.

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