It is time to honor our congregational shepherds and servants of the church. October is Pastor Appreciation Month, a time to express our appreciation for our pastor’s selfless service to the ministry of the Father. These servants have responded in obedience to God’s call to serve in his kingdom as they give leadership to their local congregations.

The challenge of ministering to many different people and communities has a way of leaving them emotionally, spiritually, and physically depleted. Tangible acts of appreciation and gratitude help to strengthen and encourage the pastor and their family.

You may have lots of ideas on how to honor your pastor. If not, perhaps you could consider SHAPE? Sustaining Health and Pastoral Excellence (SHAPE) is one of the growing and most transforming ministries in the Church of God. Perhaps your pastor is involved in this. If so, thank you for your support. If not, you may want to encourage your pastor to consider SHAPE. You can learn more about this program by visiting www.chog.org/SHAPE.

You might also Google the phrase “Clergy Appreciation Month” for all kinds of ways to honor your pastor.

Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31 niv). The work of our pastors is to help us to do just that. Your efforts of appreciation help strengthen your pastor for this great task.