Being reminded yesterday that this is Pastor Appreciation
Month took me on a trip down memory lane. As I look back on experiences at the
churches my husband pastored, I remember the unique personality of each church
and the ways in which they expressed appreciation for their pastor and family.
A church Hubby pastored in Missouri was my favorite. Maybe
this is because I love roses. Pastor appreciation there was year-round. We
received gifts, cards, and roses (for me) on many occasions including the Sunday
closest to our birthdays, our wedding anniversary, the anniversary of the date
we arrived at the church, and during Pastor Appreciation Month. Each year at
the Christmas dinner we were honored, along with a home mission church pastor
and family they had chosen. Interestingly, they recognized the births of
grandchildren with cards congratulating us (like we did anything). During the
nine years we were there we felt special and loved.
Remembering these churches also brought to mind the process
of interviewing for positions and how that evolved over the years. When we were
young, Hubby would interview alone. Sometimes a picture of the family would be
requested at some point during the interview. (Too bad Photoshop did not exist
then.) For the last interview he had, the church provided us both with airfare
for the 750-mile trip. That evening, Hubby’s board interview was followed by an
all-church reception. There were yummy treats (a good enticement to go there)
and then a meeting was called and everyone had an opportunity to ask questions.
What they were most interested in was our family. I knew then that they were my
kind of people.
While we were living in Michigan, a minister’s wife on our
district told at a retreat about the most stressful church board interview she
and her husband endured. During the interview, an older gentleman asked
her if she was in full support of her husband’s ministry. Of course, she was.
Then he said, “It looks to me like you pluck your eyebrows. Do you?” Not easily
intimidated, she looked straight into his eyes and responded, “Yes, I do and I
shave my legs, too. Would you like to see?” They did not go to that church.
Now, back to appreciation. What pastors really appreciate is
the warm smile, the word of encouragement, the acceptance, and the prayers.
PASTORS IN THE PULPIT THEN AND NOW
A While Ago
Seems Just Yesterday
Now
ClipArt
Sources: Christianclipart; Polecreek; StFrancisMemphis
