My heart is heavy as I begin this blog as I just read of another great pastor resigning from his pastorate due to being stressed out, burn out, and depressed. Sure we read how some pastors have fallen into sin and have chosen to step away from ministry, but it seems as though more and more pastors are having to step away from their ministries in order to simply catch their breath and take care of themselves and their families. While I commend these pastors for having the courage to acknowledge that they need to take care of themselves and their families, it saddens me to read of more and more men of God being so overwhelmed and hurting.

October has been given the title “Pastor Appreciation Month” and it’s a designated time for you and your family to thank your pastor for all he does. You see, pastoring goes far beyond the pulpit on Sunday morning. Your pastor doesn’t get the benefit of clocking in and out each day and is on call 24/7. The thought of having a normal schedule is humorous, and they have a really hard time saying “no.” On a more serious note, you’ll never truly understand the countless hours your pastor spends praying for you and your family or the many sleepless nights they spend on their knees praying for the flock that God entrusted them with. You see, you’re more than a face on Sunday morning. When you hurt, your pastor hurts. When you are broken, your pastor is broken.

My intention of this blog was not to make you feel sorry for your pastor. As hard as it sometimes gets, the Lord called him to serve and will continue to empower him and strengthen him to minister to both his family and yours. You cannot carry all the many burdens for your pastor, but you can certainly pray for them daily and support and encourage them. As many of you know, Pastor Jon is currently on sabbatical. He is taking a little time away to simply rest so that he can return to doing what God has called him to do. I believe with all my heart that Ridgeview has the best pastor in the world (he didn’t even pay me to say that) and I can say without any reservation that even while he is on sabbatical, he is thinking and praying for you because that’s just what he does.

Take time to thank your pastor for all he does. While cards and gifts are certainly encouraging, the greatest gift you can give your pastor is prayer. Cover them with prayer each and every day! Pray that God will uphold him with His righteous right hand. Pray for their family and that God will meet their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs on a daily basis.

P.S. Don’t wait until October to show appreciation to your pastor. Make it a point to pray for and encourage your pastor all throughout the year! By blessing your pastor, I promise you’ll be just as blessed in return.

Praying for you always,

Dustin