Photo via jesus-crist.com

Pastor appreciation month observed in October every year

By Bill Ellis

Special to ASSIST News Service

Most churches in the United States, Canada and other countries take time during October each year to express their deep gratitude for their pastor and pastoral associates. Different classifications are included such as pastor emeritus, retired and associate pastors.

The entire month becomes a time when congregational members pause, deliberately take the time, and expend the effort to let pastors know they are deeply appreciated. Pastors are on call twenty-four-seven that means they are called upon for service 24 hours per day and seven days each week.

A busy and caring pastor of an active and growing church in Decatur, IL, received a phone call at 3:00 a.m. one morning. Keith was on the phone when the pastor answered and heard: “Pastor, would you go to my Mom and Dad’s house and tell them that my son and their grandson, Brian, has just been killed in an automobile wreck. I do not want them to hear it on the morning news. I will deeply appreciate your doing that.”

The pastor and his wife immediately got ready for that early morning pastoral mission. As they crossed town to the home of their dear friends, Ornan and Gladys, he turned to his wife and said, “Please, wake me up and tell me I am dreaming and that we are not doing what I think we are doing.” It was no dream. They parked and knocked on the door. Ornan, in his pajamas and robe, opened the door with this heartbreaking question, “It’s about Brian, isn’t it?”

The pastor was soon enveloped in the strong arms of a sobbing grandfather. Pastor and his wife, heartbroken grandparents, arm in arm, heart in heart, cried together. That grandmother, Gladys, is still living an active life in her 90’s and as alert and sharp as ever. Her faith is strong and she has loved ones in heaven and on earth.

That is not the experience of every pastor and certainly not every day. It is true, however, that pastors suffer agony and heartache almost daily with their parishioners. They also enjoy the victories and blessings of their congregation.

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TAGS: USA Canada Pastor appreciation month associate pastors pastor emeritus

[09/27/2009]

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