Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and invite you to join in celebrating Pastor Appreciation Month this October! This is a special opportunity for us as a denomination to pause and express our gratitude to the pastors who lead, serve, and care for our congregations so faithfully.
Just as Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 to “acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord,” so too we are called to honor the leaders God has placed over us. Our pastors pour out their hearts, time, and energy into their ministry, guiding us spiritually and standing alongside us in both joy and sorrow. Pastor Appreciation Month gives us a focused time to reflect on their selfless service and to respond in love.
There are many meaningful ways to celebrate this month. You may choose to organize a special service or event in their honor, allowing the congregation to express their gratitude together. Another way is to gather written notes of encouragement, offering a personal touch that will uplift and inspire them. Some congregations may even offer gifts or plan a time of focused prayer for the pastor and their family, asking for God’s continued blessing on their ministry. For more information on the importance of blessing your pastor and suggestions on how to do so, visit https://blessyourpastor.org/, sponsored by the National Association of Evangelicals.
Whatever form it takes, let this month be an opportunity to build up those who lead us, showing them that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.
In Christ’s love,
Steven L. Cole
Executive Director
The Brethren Church