My grandmother had a sign on her refrigerator that said, “No one seems to notice all I do, until I stop doing it.”

That sign is funny but also makes a serious point. Mothers and Grandmothers do so much good that it often goes unnoticed. The same could be said, I think, about pastors.

That is partly why a special occasion has emerged to recognize and appreciate pastors. October has become known as “Pastor and Ministers Appreciation Month.”

Our pastors and ministers deserve even more recognition than they may ordinarily get, and October is a great time for churches to show that.

If there ever were a time in church life that these ministers of the Gospel could use some extra appreciation, it is now. Pastors always have faced difficulties in carrying out their call and ministry assignments. Not only does the enemy of our souls present continual temptation and opposition, but the tasks that every pastor is called on to carry out are multi-faceted and not easy.

To name a few: preaching the Word, caring for the flock, leading the church, serving those in need, being a Christlike example, leading during a crisis, pastoral counseling, performing weddings and funerals, doing the work of evangelism and discipleship. Yes, the job description of a pastor is wide-ranging.

Someone once said that one of the chief tools the Devil uses against God’s people is discouragement. Research has shown that oftentimes pastors face difficulty and discouragement.

That is why it would be timely for us to show appreciation to pastors and ministers. Here are some ideas for you to consider:

  • A Sunday School class or small group could take up a collection and buy some gift cards or send notes of encouragement or offer to help with childcare or family needs.
  • Children can make art or a thank-you notes for the pastor.
  • Youth could help do yard work for the pastor.
  • Any church member who likes to cook could prepare and deliver baked goods.

Some time ago, pastors were surveyed about what would mean the most. Listen to some of these responses. “I am always given a card with a financial gift on pastor appreciation. I am thankful for both forms of recognition, but most important to me is that they remember me and thank me for my service to the church.”

Another said, “A ‘younger me’ would need monetary affirmation, but the present ‘battle-worn me’ would just like sincere notes of encouragement.” One other said, “Speaking practically, receiving a getaway to a place of beautiful solitude with my family for a time of rest and reflection.”

These are just a few ideas. Oklahoma Baptists, this October (and beyond), together let’s each find ways to be a blessing and source of encouragement to our pastors.

Finally, allow me to say a heartfelt thank you to my pastor, Connor Bales, for the great ways you lead and serve. Also to say thank you to every Oklahoma Baptist pastor out there! We love you and appreciate you more than words can express (Phil. 1:3).