October is Pastor Appreciation Month
By Lynn Wagner
Faith and Freedom News
October 21, 2021
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15, KJV).
It is hard to imagine what our lives would be like without the leadership and commitment of chosen men of God who serve as pastors. They are, and always have been, the driving force that forged and sustained our nation and godly values.
They are the cornerstone of our families and communities, feeding us on God’s Holy Word, celebrating with us in marriages and births, and mourning with us and comforting us in the loss of our loved ones.
They are tireless, putting the needs of their flock ahead of their own, sacrificing time with their own families to minister to the needs of their people.
They bear our burdens, celebrate our successes, and stand ready, day and night to minister to those in need.
Even in normal times their role is demanding. But these are anything but normal times.
So much as happened so quickly – a pandemic unlike anything we have ever experienced, creating chaos and confusion…affecting our homes, our schools, our churches. A falling away of church members who were once faithful…a government that views Christian conservatives as “domestic terrorists”…and a growing culture of ungodliness all across the land unlike anything we have witnessed in our lifetime.
Yes, the role of our pastors has always been grueling and demanding. But the pressures have mounted significantly over the past year or so.
Our pastors need our prayers, they need our encouragement, they deserve our gratitude, and they appreciate our faithfulness. They too are human, subject to feelings of defeat and dejection. We should lift them up, show them our love and appreciation and carry them daily before his throne of grace, petitioning God to give them comfort, strength and safety in their travels.
We are blessed to live in America…and we do, thanks to the “Black Robed Regiment” – patriotic preachers who fanned the flames of liberty and encouraged their congregations to take a stand and fight for freedom.
Just as those preachers of old led our country to religious liberty, our pastors of today are standing strong for those same freedoms – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. They are encouraging us, not only to take a stand for our nation, but more importantly, they are point us to the One who offers eternal Life, Liberty from sin and Happiness in knowing that heaven is our eternal home.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month…take time to reflect on what your pastor does and what he means to you…take time to tell him you love and appreciate him.
But above all, take time to pray for him!
