3.10.16

Pastor Appreciation

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


4 comments:

  1. I wonder if that was in the West Michigan District . . . On second thought, I don't want to know. I hope it's the core value of "Cultural Relevance" that explains the differences we see in some of today's pastors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Secondary Roads, it's very likely that wanting to reach our culture is the reason for the differences. Unfortunately, the old retired people still have the old wardrobes. That means being overdressed for us.

      Delete
  2. Gotta love that pastor's wife; and wonder in how many other ways she assisted his ministry. *grin*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The pastor's wife was outspoken, but always fun. Her personality seemed to fit where they were assigned and the people liked her a lot. I rather envied her ability to have a good time and a following.

      Delete