Each October, local church congregations take a moment to thank their pastor. I want to add my voice to this from two perspectives: first, as a pastor, and second, as someone who works with pastors.
I am a third-generation pastor. I have seen the good and the bad of growing up in a pastor’s home. I watched my dad navigate difficult situations and then walk in the pulpit. I have also walked through many tough moments in 28 years of ministry.
Today, I want to thank our church family. You have loved my wife and me. You have helped us raise our four kids to love Jesus. You have been faithful, loving, and supportive, even when I am called to lead in ways that take me away from the church office frequently. So, sincerely. Thank you for being a church that loves God, people, and your pastor. Thank you for leaning into unity and keeping Jesus at the center of it all. I count it a privilege to have grown up here and now served on staff for 26+ years.
To the pastors I have the honor of working with in my state fellowship role, thank you as well. No one but another pastor sees what you walk through: the sleepless nights, the 1 am calls, and yes, the really tough relational challenges.
A few years ago, a church blogger/pastor reported that the average person in the West loses 7 friends in a lifetime. While the average pastor loses 7 per year, every year they are in ministry. I do intend to write a more in-depth blog on this in the future, but for today I want to illustrate what that looks like. The average person will lose 7 in a lifetime, but in that same lifetime a minister will lose 350 friends (based on 50 years of ministry).
Click here for the full article: https://joshuareich.org/2023/10/17/pastors-lose-5-7-relationships-a-year/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
These losses take a toll on your health, your family, your finances, and often your self-worth. As someone who has walked this road, I want to say a huge thank you. Thank you for being willing to navigate life in ministry, recognizing that our ultimate goal is leading people to Jesus. I also want to say I’m sorry for the challenges you have faced, many of which were not of your own making and certainly not your fault. God is your rock and sustainer, but others have also loved and supported you through the most difficult seasons. Focus on that and remember all the people who love you and stand with you.
So, thank you, church, for loving us, and thank you, pastors, for co-laboring with me. Today, I honor and pray for you. Happy Pastor Appreciation Month!
