STUDENT MINISTRY: We Appreciate You

      This past month, my church members shared gifts and well-wishes with me for Pastor Appreciation Month. I am truly blessed by the people of Calvary. But they don’t just limit it to October. I have felt cared for since making the move to Calvary in 2016. Whether through cards or words, the men and women of Calvary have expressed love to us repeatedly. Pastor Appreciation Month is a special time, and I hope you have taken the time to share your love with the pastors in your life.

      For 30+ years, I have been blessed to serve people in a variety of roles in God’s churches. I have been both the pastor and a staff member. The truth is Pastor Appreciation Month can be a mixed bag. Some churches do it in a big way, while others do not share that same enthusiasm.

      While I want to encourage you to always take time to honor the pastors in your life, I want you to know that your pastors appreciate you. No matter how much appreciation we may or may not feel, it is truly an honor to serve in the church. Why do we feel that way? Why is it a joy and honor to serve in the church even when we may not feel as appreciated as we hope? Here are a few reasons:

         • The church is God’s plan to bless the world. As my lead pastor has said repeatedly, “The church is God’s Plan A to bless the world, and there is no Plan B.” As a minister of the gospel, I have the privilege of serving in one of the most exciting and important organizations in the world. Where else do you have the opportunity to impact people for eternity and to be a part of God’s big plan? Where else do we find such a great purpose as we find within the structure of the church? Being a part of God’s plan is a big deal.

         • The church gives us the opportunity to fulfill our calling. When you call a pastor to serve alongside your church, it is a blessing to him. It allows the minister to fulfill the calling God has placed on his life. He is provided an opportunity to preach, teach, serve and shepherd. Working with people can be full of challenges, but it is also full of blessings. There is nothing like baptizing a new believer or leading your church in the Lord’s Supper. There is nothing as heart-wrenching as holding the hand of a teenager who has just lost a parent. Our calling takes us into all types of settings, but I know I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

         • The church is our “faith family.” I love my biological family. They are kind. They love and support me, and I know I am blessed. Not everyone has a family full of Christ-followers. Some of us have more in common with our faith families than our biological families. Those who find themselves in that position know they share belief and purpose with their church. These church members are much more than just the people who hired them. They are truly family. I have felt that many times over the years.

      In a recent worship service, I was overwhelmed by my love for our people and felt compelled to head to the altar to pray for them. What was unusual was that I am on the Praise Team and rarely leave my post of singing during our altar time. However, I had to go pray for the people I have come to love and appreciate over the past eight years. They are more than church members. They are family.

      Many of us in ministry can get frustrated with our ministry posts at times, but most of those I speak with love and appreciate their people, even in those moments. God has called us to serve and love the local church. Know that you are appreciated by the pastors who serve alongside you.

      Join the conversation at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinsitryMattersCommunity and share why you love and appreciate your church.