Saying thanks to your pastor

Being a pastor can many times be a thankless job. One works seemingly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - going from meeting to counseling session to hospital visit. Not to mention the time needed to prepare for Sunday's sermon, Wednesday's Bible study, a luncheon for Senior Adults and a youth fellowship on Friday night.

Between all of the week's activities, there are also opinions from church members on everything from the color of the carpet in the sanctuary to the dessert served on Wednesday night.

Pastor's hear it all - but two words they may not hear very much are "Thank you." Think about it. When is the last time you stopped and thanked your pastor for all he does for your church?

Growing up as a pastor's daughter, I felt like I was in church every time the doors were open, but in reality, my dad really was. He worked more hours than I even knew, sometimes coming home from meetings long after my sisters and I had gone to bed. He served with a joyful heart and I never heard him complain about the long hours, or the constant ministry.

One thing I do remember is how wonderful it was when a church member brought by an impromptu chocolate cake, just to say thank you. Or when a family offered to take us out for lunch after church on a Sunday morning. Occasionally someone would bless our family with a gift card to our local Chili's or movie theater and we thought we were in heaven! Those simple gestures may not have seemed like much to the giver, but to our family, they were priceless.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I challenge you to find a way to thank the pastor in your life. It could be a simple email or hand-written note. You could offer to babysit his kids and send he and his wife out on a date night. I'm sure no pastor would be opposed to his lawn being mowed. Be creative, but make sure your pastor knows that you appreciate his life, his ministry and his dedication to your church. God has placed him in your life and there's no doubt he has ministered to you in more than one way. Tell him thanks.