Thoughts from your Regional Minister
By: Ken Marston, Regional Minister
October is designated as Pastor appreciation month – a time when we encourage congregations to say thank you to their pastors. More than any other year, I believe it is important to say thank you to pastors of congregations in some tangible way.
You may not realize this, but many pastors have been hard at work learning to do ministry in ways they have neither been trained for or thought they would be doing. This pandemic has forced us to adopt the use of technology in ways many are not use to. It has forced us to put together on-line worship without a live audience, thus taking on a role more like a television program producer/director/performer, than a pastor.
It has forced the use of video conferencing technology for meetings and educational experiences that has changed the nature of those experiences. It has meant longer hours and learning how to nurture professional and pastoral relationships without the benefit of being in the physical presence of others. And it has raised the stress level of us all, but especially pastors as they deal frequently with feelings of inadequacy for doing ministry in these ways.
Most pastors, have taken on this challenge with a dedication and faithfulness that I admire and I’m grateful for. They have done so with little complaining and they have done so because they love God and their congregations. They want what is best for those whom God has given into their care.
So, please, I encourage you, send your pastor a card of thanks or encouragement this month. See the Pastor Appreciation Month article for additional ways to show appreciation. But most of all give them an extra measure of grace and forgiveness. You will be glad you did and so will they.