As we come to the close of one of the strangest Pastor's Appreciation months in remembrance, I want to ask if YOU have given thanks to your pastor? I don't necessarily mean your supervisor at your church. I mean the people who have pastored you this year. The word "pastor" comes from the Latin noun pastor which means "shepherd"... so who in your life has been shepherding you?
In a year that has demanded incredible amounts of creativity and energy, I believe God sends us people with incredible giftings to walk beside us. They help guide us through the questions, care for our needs and fill us up. These people are pastors! Not every person gifted as a pastor serves the "office of pastor." In fact, many of those who hold the office of "pastor" in church do not have the gift of shepherding. Here are a few indicators of a pastoral gift.
Redirected You
Take a few moments to think about where you have been encouraged this year. Someone has redirected your thinking, much like a shepherd would redirect his wandering sheep. They are people who you trust to expose some of your deepest thoughts, but they have the ability to redirect your selfish perspective to think more Jesus-like. This is a pastor!
Cared for You
This year has inflicted pain on us all. Have we shared our appreciation for those who have stopped their lives to offer us a listening ear? Who on your team has dropped food off during illness? Is there a person that consistently checks-in to see how you are doing? These people are shepherding you. They are pastoring without the title.
Fed You
Not all spiritual food comes from a sermon! The Holy Spirit works through conversations, text messages, encouraging scriptures, fun, hospitality, songs, and so much more. Who in your life has given life to your soul? But this is so much deeper than a simple encouragement, the impact of these life-givers stays with you. You can confidently say that, "Without ____________ in my life, this year would have been drastically different. But I'm SO glad that God brought them into my life!"
Now I know that you're thinking I'm diminishing the pastoral role in a church. That's not my intent. I simply want to encourage you to give THANKS for these people TODAY.
Send a text.
Write a note.
TELL them!
In doing so, you might be the pastor they need in this moment!