"If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?" (1 Cor.9:11 NKJV).
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I want to encourage all our churches to plan something to honor your pastor and other staff members. In the time I have spent visiting with your pastors and listening to them preach, I know they love the Lord and His church. Our Haywood Baptist Churches are being fed the Word of God. Can you put a price tag on that?
You do not pay the man of God to preach the Word of God and serve the church of God! If you did, you could not afford him! Instead, you enable him to have the time and share the incalculable worth of Gospel work because the church helps him support his family. If he does not do that, then you do not want him as the pastor, anyway! The Bible says, "But if anyone does not provide for his own and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Tim.5:8).
Pole Creek Baptist Church, where I was served, blessed our pastoral staff wonderfully across the years. Here is some of what they did:
1) Collected cards were written to us by the members;
2) Took up a love offering;
3) Had a special Sunday with a guest speaker, followed by a meal;
4) Gave flowers and gift cards to our spouses;
5) Prayed for us and over us.
If you have staff--don't forget to recognize them. Preachers cannot do it all, and sometimes those who are not in a prominent role may be overlooked. Believe me, if they did not partner with the pastor, he could not do all that he does!
You might want to consider these things or use your imagination! God will bless you accordingly!
Your Brother,
Dennis Thurman, Haywood AMS
