October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and it brings to mind one clear reality: The role of the pastor in America seems to be more difficult with each passing year.
Alliance Defending Freedom has a church alliance… They write that the team is increasingly aware of the difficulty of being a pastor.
John Harding of ADF writes, “It has been humbling and inspiring to speak with pastors who have a day job (or often a night job) and support the ministry needs of an entire church. Many of these bi-vocational pastors attending spiritual and educational gatherings are reaching into their own pocket to pay the costs of travel to meet with one another and be encouraged by powerful preaching.
Even for those who are in full-time ministry, without the need for a second job to make ends meet, the demands on their time are still seemingly endless.
Social media presence and activity is almost seen as a given. Accessibility at any time of the day is generally expected. It’s a rare mix of regular, detailed administrative work; personal ministry to the deep needs of people; a thorough study of scripture; and being the face and leader of a church.
One pastor ADF met with this year had a particularly difficult range of duties: preaching on Sundays, running a shelter for female victims of abuse, serving with local government, and working a nine-to-five job.
So this month, be sure to honor your pastor with your sincere appreciation.