Bert Harper

Marriage and family director - co-host of AFR's "Exploring the Word"

October 2014 – October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and AFA wants to be part of the movement that expresses thanks to pastors and their families. AFA hosts the “Fishbowl Retreat” each year to help pastors have the opportunity to learn to be effective as husbands and fathers. I want to share with you ways that will help and strengthen your pastor and family.

Paul writes to Timothy, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12). A pastor should first be thankful that God in His mercy would even use a human being in a ministry that would include teaching the Word of God. To even think that a church would ask a person to be their pastor, using the gifts God has given him, is an added blessing. When that church shares in the blessing by demonstrating the love of God through their appreciation of their pastor, everyone is blessed.

So the pastor demonstrates his thankfulness by feeding and caring for the flock of God (the local congregation), being an example to them in prayer and service, and equipping the saints to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). In turn the church demonstrates their appreciation by blessing their pastor and family with their support, encouragement and prayers.

Paul again writes to Timothy, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). This is an admonition to the church to adequately supply their pastor in the area of finance. It is a real blessing to the pastor and his family to have their needs met by the local congregation where they serve. It is an added blessing not to have the salary discussed in an open meeting where he and his family are hearing all that is said. This is one of those times when Scripture is helpful. Acts 15 has the whole church discussing a matter, and then it is decided by the apostles and elders (v. 6); then it is brought to the whole congregation for approval (v.12). This procedure is a real blessing to the pastor and family.

I have observed one other big matter that blesses pastors, and that is when the church follows Hebrews 13:7: “Remember those who led you, who spoke the Word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” A pastor is blessed when the people he is responsible to lead, follow. A church that desires to follow Christ will pray for their pastor to be led by the Lord and that he will have a vision of what God wants them to accomplish together.  

October is Pastor Appreciation Month … little things mean a lot
→ Trying not to interfere with his home life.
→ Giving the pastor and family a paid vacation or getaway.
→ Keeping preschoolers and children for a date night.
→ Giving him a gift card to a restaurant.
→ Sponsoring an ad in the local newspaper.
→ Mowing the lawn.
→ Giving him a Bible study/sermon prep software such as Logos.
→ Giving him a gift card to a bookstore or online site.
→ Making a thank you card or booklet for all families to sign.
→ Loving the pastor’s family and praying for them daily.

More ideas here. 

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Bert Harper, AFA director of marriage and family ministries, has 37 years experience as a full-time pastor.