A note to our pastors

By SHERYL H. BOLDT

Dear Pastor,
We appreciate you – a lot. Aside from your family, we’re your biggest fans.
We know being our pastor isn’t an easy job. Your hours well exceed a 9-5 occupation – and we can sometimes be a handful. Your commitment to God’s calling demonstrates that you want to be a good representative of the God you preach about.
We’re grateful for the way you increase our hunger for God’s Word and admonish us to honor Christ in all we do. You encourage us to reach our full potential by serving Him in our homes and communities. Your weekly messages challenge us to not allow life’s distractions keep us from focusing on God’s purposes.
Most especially, we’re eternally thankful for all the times you remind us that God loves us so much that He gave His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins.
We can’t thank you enough for the many hours you’ve spent reading and researching Scripture, praying for clarity. You’ve persevered, prayed through and taught us the hard verses. We admire you for not backing down from teaching “unpopular” verses and doctrine, even when they’re politically incorrect.
We appreciate the sacrifices you and your wife make for us. For selflessly putting others’ needs ahead of your own. For being available and approachable. For representing Christ well.
Your years-long dedication clearly shows how much you want to be there for us, even when you can’t. We understand your schedule and human limitations. We know, present or absent, that you bring our needs to our powerful – and omnipresent (ever-present) God in prayer.
Thank you, Pastor.
You and your wife are important to us and to our community. We’re praying for you as you continue to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 ESV). Please let us know how else we can pray for you and your family.
With much love,
Your biggest fans

This Pastor Appreciation Month – and throughout the year – make it clear to your pastor and his wife how much you appreciate them and how their faithfulness to God is a source of encouragement to you.
A side note: To the pastors who had to make the difficult decision to leave your churches for varied reasons, we thank you for your years of service to your congregation and community. We’re praying for God’s continued grace in your lives.

Sheryl H. Boldt is a sales executive for Wave 94 and author of the blog, TodayCanBeDifferent.net. Connect with her at SherylHBoldt.Wave94@gmail.com.