October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

Did you know that…

75% of pastors report being “extremely stressed” or “highly stressed”
90% work between 55 to 75 hours per week
90% feel fatigued and worn out every week
91% have experienced some form of burnout in ministry and 18% say they are “fried to a crisp right now”
70% constantly fight depression
70% do not have someone they consider a close friend
44% of pastors do not take a regular day off

Being the wife of a Worship Pastor and having been in ministry almost my entire life, I can tell you how true these statistics can be! The life of a pastor is a difficult one – but we can lighten the burden!

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1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”

We can care well for our shepherds by focusing on 2 things >>

Acknowledge your Pastor

Thank him often. Find ways to bless him and his family. Make them dinner, bring them a special treat, listen attentively to his messages and give specific *positive* feedback, pray for him every single day…

Live in Peace with Each Other

I love that Paul gives this specific encouragement right after a call to honor leaders of the Church. We make our pastor’s jobs easier by living according to God’s Word >> Seeking to love God above all and love our neighbor as ourselves. When we seek lives of peace, the Church can advance. When we stir up trouble with our neighbor through jealousies and anger, when we persist in sin, when we make church about us instead of about Him, we hinder the Church and increase our pastor’s burden. Love His Word. Live for Jesus. This will bless your pastor.

Crazy story >>

This past weekend we went to church with our packaged banana bread and matching “punny” tag (scroll down for free printable) to give to our pastor after church, and in the sermon, our pastor mentioned how much he loves anything banana. I had no idea how much he enjoyed banana flavored treats. I count that a holy win! If you follow me on Instagram then you saw the reel we posted of our pastor’s reaction. Priceless!