At Sonrise, the pastors and our families were once again blessed by a loving congregation during Pastor Appreciation Month. For years, our Sonrise family has served us so well demonstrating appreciation for our efforts to serve them. On the final weekend of October, our church combined Pastor Appreciation Sunday with the Fall Fest for a delightful time together as a church family. Although it was raining, we moved all the festivities inside and had a wonderful time together.
Taking a step outside what happened with just us, our families, and our church, let me say, “Thank You!” to everyone who demonstrated appreciation for your pastors during the month of October. Pastors and elders who serve vocationally and as volunteers appreciate your appreciation. When the pressure runs high, small demonstrations of love, support, and kindness go along way. Whereas we ultimately strive to serve an audience of one – our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we also seek to serve you, our church families, as well. We strongly desire to bring God the glory as we daily serve Christ’s body as manifested in our local congregations.
Not one of us are perfect. Although as pastors, we would love to be perfect and serve you just the way you want to be served, we all fail – some of us in seasons more than others. No doubt, in the past twelve months individual congregants have been disappointed, underserved, had feelings hurt, or in some sense mishandled. Sometimes, we knew what happened; often, most of us did not. Yet, in the mercy and grace of God, God’s children forgive, let love cover it, and continue to serve alongside us for another day.
With rare exception, I can defend the motive of all the pastors out there. When I reflect on my own heart, as imperfect as I am, no doubt your pastors are the same or even better. We try to maintain a spirit of love and godliness as we strive to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and you as part of His body. Yet, inevitably, we miss the mark somewhere. In these moments, we covet prayer, reach for humility, and strive to be faithful for another day resting in God’s new mercies provided by Him for it.
With this awareness of our own limits, we reflect upon the incredible acts of appreciation during the past month. Loving individuals and congregations sought to give a word of kindness, serve in the name of Jesus, or otherwise demonstrate the love of Christ.
As Paul told the Thessalonians, “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thess 5:12). This, you do. You reflect the maturity of what the writer to the Hebrews described: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Heb 13:17). You seek to help your pastors and elders fulfill the burden of watching out for souls with joy instead of grief.
With this deep sense of goodness, kindness, sensitivity, grace, and love, you did your part to encourage those who seek to serve you. For all of those like me who have the profound privilege to serve as a pastor or elder, we sincerely thank you.
We thank you for the sake of our spouses, our families, and the overall health of our churches. Our spouses, our families, and other members of the congregation observe these acts of appreciation, and it also encourages them. As people live life together in the local church family, there are many moments that can be discouraging for the spouse, family, and the congregation related to members in regard to the pastor. Yet, these moments of appreciation help strengthen the faith, deepen the love, and buoy the resolve of all those who love, serve, and work alongside the pastors and elders. Our spouses, families, and congregations benefit as you so graciously love us with the love of Jesus Christ.
I have often reflected what a privilege it is to grow older each day as a fellow servant of and member of a local congregation. When we describe the church as a family, these words are significant, have meaning, and carry significant weight. When we describe the church as a body, this designation also significantly impacts each relationship of every individual who is in it. As pastors and elders, we enjoy the family and depend upon the body. We will endeavor again for the next year to do our part before God in the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all of you who do your part every day as well. We are encouraged to be part of the family and body with you.
Again, thank you! From the bottom of our hearts, we thank God for every remembrance of you and pray for you.
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