As the month of October rolls around each year, we are reminded of the gift that our pastors are to each of us. They pray for us, administer the sacraments to us, preach Good News to us, officiate at weddings, funerals, and baptisms, care for us in times of crisis, and call us to a missional vision for our communities and the world.
I have been blessed by the ministry of some fine shepherds over my lifetime. John Lawwill, T. James Boshell, O. C. Rushing, Robert Atkinson, Leroy Hostutler, Forest Harvey, Everett Clay, Jack Archer, and Keith Wright pastored churches I attended. Each pastor had a significant impact on my life and spiritual development.
A little over one-third of our South Central Ohio pastors are bi-vocational – they are employed at another job and ministry is not their sole means of support. Much like the Apostle Paul’s tent-making occupation, these pastors support their ministry through secular work. Financial necessity forces some to be co-vocational, while others choose secular employment because of the missional opportunities it provides. All of our pastors are “full-time” in that ministry is a vocation rather than an occupation, and it is difficult for ministers to be “off the clock.” It is a 24/7 calling.
The expectations placed on pastors are often challenging and sometimes unrealistic. This makes it very important for pastors to establish healthy boundaries. Their faithfulness to their calling and their love for people can result in thin margins and depleted vigor.
God has entrusted to pastors one of the most precious of assignments — the spiritual well-being of the flock. That’s why God has instructed us to recognize His servants. The Bible says, “Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17, The Message).
Pastors lay it on the line for the flock daily. They feed, tend, protect, nurture, and guide. Often shepherds are called away from home and family at all hours of the day and night to minister beside a hospital bed or in a home facing a family crisis. No one knows all the burdens our pastors carry.
Clergy Appreciation Month is a great time to pause and thank the incredible pastors and ministers who have shaped our journeys of faith. These dedicated servants often go above and beyond, guiding us through challenges, offering wisdom, and inspiring us to grow in our relationship with God.
All that to say, we owe a great deal to our pastors. That’s why each October we gently remind local churches to publicly recognize their pastors with expressions of gratitude. A little appreciation goes along way.
I am immensely grateful for those church members who seek to be encouragers to pastors. May your tribe increase. Thank you for caring for your shepherd!
Eddie Estep
District Superintendent
