I just got an email from a Christian bookstore reminding me that October is Pastor Appreciate Month. I’ve just like to say that I’ve never understood why pastors get a whole month. Doesn’t that seem a little extreme? We give mothers one day and fathers one day. We give all of labor one day and we give presidents one day but we give pastors an entire month!
Truthfully, the whole thing is sort of weird to me. I used to not allow any mention of it at all but then I realize that scripture does say that honor those that work hard among you and if the church wants to honor a pastor they should be allowed to do it, I guess. Still, it always feels sort of funny to me personally.
On behalf of pastors everywhere, let me just tell everyone what NOT to give a pastor. Don’t get them anything with the word pastor on it (except a card). We know we’re pastors. We don’t need a mug or a wooden pen with pastor engraved on it. We also don’t need any novelty pastor ties or candles. Beyond that, we don’t need anything associated with angels or the TV show Touched By an Angel.
What should you give your pastor? I don’t really know. I guess that depends on the person. I will say that for me, the things I treasure most are cards and emails from people telling me what God has done in their lives as a result of the church I pastor. I keep those things for a long time.
Now, if somebody wants to give me a trip to Italy, a new Hummer or a state-of-the-art church building, that would be nice too, of course!
So do you get yourself something nice every year, Tony? I guess Davis and I will have to return the Precious Moments figurine that we got for you this year ;) All joking aside, we do appreciate having you as our pastor. I can’t believe that we met you 11 years ago. We are so thankful that the Lord used you to draw us to Him. You are an amazing teacher! Thank you for sharing what the Lord has shown you through His word.
So do you get yourself something nice every year, Tony? I guess Davis and I will have to return the Precious Moments figurine that we got for you this year ;) All joking aside, we do appreciate having you as our pastor. I can’t believe that we met you 11 years ago. We are so thankful that the Lord used you to draw us to Him. You are an amazing teacher! Thank you for sharing what the Lord has shown you through His word.
That tie is awesome.
That tie is awesome.
I am sorry I am late in writing but I believe not only you, but Amy and the kids should be recognized for your great service.
I am sorry I am late in writing but I believe not only you, but Amy and the kids should be recognized for your great service.
An iPhone for Tony!
An iPhone for Tony!
In 1994 when I first visited Living Victory with Ren who would have known the Buckland family was to be transformed by such a fantastic friend, teacher, pastor. I was not serving the Lord at that time and your influence helped me cross the threshold from head knowledge of God to a heart relationship. You taught me if it’s in the Bible believe it and if it contradicts the word throw it out. I have lived my life from that time forward knowing God as my heavenly Father. Thank you for the radical impact you have made in my life and the life of my family. I am blessed to know all of the McColllum family.
In 1994 when I first visited Living Victory with Ren who would have known the Buckland family was to be transformed by such a fantastic friend, teacher, pastor. I was not serving the Lord at that time and your influence helped me cross the threshold from head knowledge of God to a heart relationship. You taught me if it’s in the Bible believe it and if it contradicts the word throw it out. I have lived my life from that time forward knowing God as my heavenly Father. Thank you for the radical impact you have made in my life and the life of my family. I am blessed to know all of the McColllum family.