As many of you may know, October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation month with the second Sunday of October being the official day. Many have asked me about this, and this year I regretfully caused a little conflict with our great AWANA ministry and leaders concerning this concept, which I will explain below.
This whole thing is a man-made, but not necessarily wrong scripturally, providing an opportunity to honor pastors and clergy.
The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Timothy 5:17
PAM/D was originally started by Dr, London, in cooperation with James Dobson (his Nazarene Pastor cousin) and “Focus On The Family” some time ago. However, in 1992, guess who got on board? Hallmark Cards! Surprise, Surprise! Greater than 65% of American churches now use this designated Sunday, the second Sunday of October, to honor their Pastors and sometimes ministerial staff, this year occurring on October 12.
In my former church, Westheimer Baptist (which became First Baptist West Houston), I was the Associate Pastor, The Minister Of Discipleship & Evangelism, and later became the pastor charged with Relocation & Development. Our Sr. Pastor loved the idea of this recognition and a Sunday being set aside for Pastor Appreciation Day. He made sure it happened in our church . . . and I was responsible to make sure it happened at the standard he expected . . . which it did while I served that church. The last one I organized in October of 1984 provided a brand-new Oldsmobile 98 for him to drive.
Needless to say, that experience, along with many other ones at Westheimer Baptist, taught me a lot of lessons . . . some really good – and many to avoid! While I am deeply grateful for my opportunity to serve that church ministry and the Senior Pastor, whom I truly loved and honored, I had to resign when I could no longer in good conscience / right spirit / with integrity to my Lord and that Body of Christ, faithfully submit to him in genuine obedience, under his authority.
Now, onto the issue at hand. Once again, there is nothing doctrinally or biblically wrong with Pastor Appreciation Day or Month. Nonetheless, I personally am not going to promote it, or cause it to happen at WOF. I believe that’s extremely self-serving and egotistical, perhaps even arrogant to elevate myself in such a manner. Biblical pastors are servant leaders, not men that demand a pedestal or recognition! In addition, with that consideration, I’m not allowing our paid support staff or ministry staff, those whom I serve with or those under my charge, to promote Pastor Appreciation Day / Month because it might appear that it is coming from me, and it has not been authorized or agreed upon / approved by our church Elders.
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 14:11 & Matthew 23:12
If you have been foolish in exalting yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.
Proverbs 30:32
The Lord God has always been opposed to proud according to James 4:6!
In the past, on two different occasions I have spoken with our Elders concerning PAD/M, because, if it is something that should be considered and accomplished, then we should actively endorse and embrace it without me, Pastor Jacob, or Tammy being the catalyst that stirs the pot or makes it happen. Therefore, if the Elders were to approve of the concept for the future ministry of WOF and its ministers, then it would be authorized by them and the event / day / month itself could / should realistically be a grassroots occasion birthed from the heart of the Lord’s people . . . not me pushing it! You’ve probably all heard me tell the story about this pastor from the late 1800’s who went to the train station every morning to watch the trains simply because that’s the only thing he knew of that moved without him having to push it!
In October 2020, I was presented with an awesome shield with meaningful words of gratitude and scripture displayed on it which is proudly exhibited in my office. What a blessing! When I turned 70, I was unexpectedly honored once again with a fabulous briefcase as a nice gift from our Deacons. Recently, Van and Nancy (who know me pretty well) gave me an incredible, very unique desk pen that shares a prominent place on my desk, right beside another pen set that was given to given me some time ago, along with one presented by my former church on “Staff Appreciation Day” 1984. This year someone got me a PAD/M card that about 15 people or so from our church signed and wrote encouraging notes in, which I truly prize. In addition, the AWANA kids gave me a big card with some notes attached. THANK YOU!
So, one might ask, “Where do we go from this point forward?” Good question! Is PAD/M wrong or evil? Certainly not – if framed in the right spiritual perspective. Is it biblical? Maybe, though not clearly identified as an essential in anyway whatsoever. Therein lies my (mental, emotional and spiritual) struggle. At WOF, everything we set out to accomplish like Games & Treats, Go Texan Day, our July 4th Event and Thanksgiving Luncheon, etc. is currently, or has been previously, approved (perhaps many, many years ago) and sanctioned by our Elders. While I am an Elder, also serving in the capacity the Lead Pastor of WOF, once again, as previously stated, I am not going to force the concept of PAD/M upon our leadership or our congregation, even though I believe it may / could have some intrinsic value. However, needless to say, it should not be a half-hearted attempt at something that “has to been done” or done by rote “just because!”
As a proper example, we publicly recognized Pastor Jacob, during a Sunday morning worship service on his 10th anniversary of serving / ministering at WOF. He didn’t seek this recognition, nor imply it was due him. Nevertheless, I was the driving force that made that occasion happen because I longed to honor him and express my gratitude by providing a nice present for him to display, along with, in my opinion, a substantial monetary gift.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Proverbs 3:27
Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Romans 13:7
The deepest desire I have in writing this article is to share my thoughts on this subject, and help our church fully understand the position I hold, while hoping to move forward into the future with clarity. One certainly does not have to agree with me, because this is not a doctrinal issue in my opinion; however, I desire unity in our church and always hope to disarm anything that causes confusion or division / discord. I would also truly appreciate any feedback or considerations you may have to offer on this topic.
His & Yours because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense), PF
