PASTOR'S APPRECIATION MONTH Make it EVERY month.... "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.... " (2 Timothy 4:1,2,3a). Quite a charge given to the pastor and QUITE a responsibility. It's not easy being a pastor. The accountability alone before the Lord is overwhelming. "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17). Can you imagine the responsibility given to "watch" for the souls of your sheep (the local assembly), and then give account of it before the Captain of your salvation. Wow.. that gets a little overwhelming, when you think about it. But, that's exactly what a pastor must do.. Besides the studying and preaching of the Word, the care and watch for their souls, and being a servant with kindness to all. That's a tall order, but that's what a man of God, when he receives the 'call' of God, MUST do in order to fulfill the great commission from Jesus Christ. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15). "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God maybe will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.." (2 Timothy 2: 24, 25). I guess I should know all about pastors. I'm married to one. We've been in the ministry for over 30 years now and I've seen my husband through the 'thick and thin' of it. The many 'baptisms of fire', the struggle with a wayward member of the flock, seeing him smile through tears, at times, even being maligned and misrepresented, as well as the MANY joys and happinesses, too. No-----there's MUCH to the ministry and there are many out there today and in the past who have left the ministry because of the pressures and stress. He's supposed to know the answer for EVERYTHING, be there for EVERY meeting, visit at a moment's notice, preach funerals, marry people, baptize converts, dedicate babies.. and the list goes on. BUT WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAID???? "THANK YOU, PASTOR, I REALLY APPRECIATED THAT SERMON!" Or..."PASTOR, HOW WOULD LIKE TO COME OVER FOR DINNER?" Or..."PASTOR, LET ME MEET YOU AT CHURCH TO PRAY FOR YOU!!!" Doesn't happen------does it? You see, I've been there----done that--and seen it all. But, may I say, I've seen some and most of this over the years, but the Lord has given us the greatest congregations. Three in all. But, there are and were times, that our faith was tested beyond belief. And by God's grace...we passed the tests. Even now.. our church, Fellowship Bible Church is the GREATEST!!! The Lord has blessed us beyond measure and we couldn't ask for more loving, dedicated people who love the Lord and the preaching of His Word. But, I have a ministry online to pastor's wives and the stories I have heard from them about the things they have gone through in their ministries, would make you cringe. My heart breaks for them in some of the situations they've been put in as servants of God. For the most part, I find that most pastors and their wives have to work outside the home and carry on a full-time ministry and be expected to fulfill all the needs of everyone in the church. That ought not to be. It is the church's responsibility to take care of the man of God and his family. They are to be giving their time to the study and preaching of the Word. "Let the leaders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, THOU SHALT NOT MUZZLE THE OX THAT TREADETH OUT THE CORN. And, THE LABOURER IS WORTHY OF HIS REWARD." Double honour????? Whoa.. that's too much to give a pastor. We have to keep him poor and humble. Believe it or not, I've heard people say that before. It saddens me. Then, there are those who have experienced much discouragement from parishoners who tell them that they are not meeting up to their expectations. Everyone wants to be a leader and tell the pastor what he should or should not be doing. Almost sounds like Moses and the children of Israel, doesn't it? I could tell you story after story in detail, but I won't. I just felt it was a time to share just how much you need to appreciate your pastor, and share it from a pastor's wife's heart. And how about your pastor's wife? When was the last time you came up to her asked if you could help with something that she does plenty of? Didn't you know that a pastor's wife must always be able to play the piano, sing at moment's notice, cook hamburger "100 different ways", dress discretely, but fashionably, wear her hair matronly, but in the latest 'hair-do'??? I remember reading that in one of my favorite books, "The Unprivate Life Of A Pastor's Wife" by Frances Nordland. It scared me to death. I thought, "I can't be what everyone wants me to be.. I can't be like my pastor's wife. That's just NOT me." And you know what? That's exactly what the Lord wanted.. Someone JUST like ME! He wanted to use my personality, my talents, my gifts, and my failures to be there for His honor and glory and that's all!!! Wow!!! I thought He wanted someone 'perfect.' Ha.... ha.. well, when He called us to the ministry.. He knew just who we were.. "Sinners----saved by grace." And I just want to say.. "I LOVE MY PASTOR". I see him behind the scenes.. I know how long he studies.. and how late he comes home.. I see the little things he does to keep the church building in order.. (he loves our new church home)... and he loves the LORD with all his heart.. Thank you, sweetie, for being MY Man of God... Okay! I've said all that to say this. Do you know what would make the PERFECT GIFT or surprise for your pastor on this special time???? JUST YOU!!! Hey.. do you want to see him shocked beyond measure (but it may cause a heart attack, too).... BE AT EVERY SERVICE!!! Bibles wide open, taking notes, and encourage him afterward! You'll just literally "knock him dead." But really, that's all anyone wants--isn't it? Just to be appreciated for their work's sake and an occasional 'THANK YOU.' Lord bless you all and bless those special pastors who have given their lives to preach God's Word and with a servant's heart, serve you with joy. Special message outline by Pastor Tom Sawhook is now available for you.. Visit... In honor of the one year anniversary, Pastor Sawhook preached, "In Commemoration of 9-11" To view this message outline.. please go HERE! Schedule of Services and Current Events Fellowship Bible Church 7555 Gilmore Road Hamilton, Ohio 45015 (513) 737-1573 Located approximately 5 minutes from downtown Hamilton and 10 minutes from downtown Fairfield. We are around 30 minutes north of Cincinnati, Ohio. Our services are: Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. (For ALL ages) Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m. (Junior Church and Nursery available) Evening Service - 6:00 p.m. (Nursery with closed circuit TV) Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study - 7:00 p.m. (Classes for children from Kindergarten through 6th grade.) Youth groups are held every other Monday night for children from First Grade through High School. CLERGY APPRECIATION LINKS Annie's Clergy Appreciation Day Parsonage.org - Honor Your Pastor! From Focus On The Family Awesome Appreciation Day From Peggie's Place.."Words From the Well Devotional" Men's Ministries Pastor's Appreciation POEMS ABOUT PASTORS AND PASTOR'S WIVES THE PASTOR'S WIFE She's a Godly woman, she has such grace Always a warm greeting, a smile on her face. She's always encouraging, she knows her place. She is - The Pastor's Wife. She has to always look just right Always on time, though the schedule's tight. From early morning, til late at night Always - The Pastor's Wife She's such a Lady, everyone's friend She serves with love from deep within. All the rifts she tries to mend Oh she's - The Pastor's Wife She carries your burdens, she prays for you Sometimes she cries the whole night through. But you won't know when she's feeling blue, 'Cause she's - The Pastor's Wife At church as she starts to walk up the aisle, So many need to stop and talk for awhile. Though she is tired, she has her own trials She's patient, she's - The Pastor's Wife Her life, her time, is not her own There's always a need, they go on and on With a knock at the door, or a ringing phone. That's the life of - The Pastor's Wife Her husband she shares with a whole congregation She humbly accepts his intense dedication. In loneliness she kneels to see consolation God Bless - The Pastor's Wife She will someday reach the end of this race As she meets her Master face to face Surely our God has a Special Place In Heaven for - The Pastor's Wife! Composed and Written by: Judy Dycus, March 10, 1992 You may email her at SHUTEJUTE@aol.com with her permission. A PASTOR'S HEART A well spoken message stirs a heart to rejoice There is nothing like a strong, resilient voice But when sorrow comes, there is no better gift to impart Then the gift of a caring, pastor's heart A loving touch or a kind word A moment of counsel from God's holy word A telephone call--after you just heard.., Is the gift of our pastor's heart. Lord, bless this pastor In each new day Bless his ministry along the way For fame and fortune can never impart The precious gift of a caring pastor's heart Just a servant of Christ and at times a dear friend With a dersire to love God To the very end Tending his flock in the Savior's way Is the gift of a pastor's heart Striving to live as an apostle of Christ Serving his father giving Godly advice! Preaching and teaching and sharing the Word Is the gift of a caring pastor's heart. Sandra L. Adams, Copyright 2000 From Christian Poems The Hope Christian Reformed Church, Ontario, Canada TO OUR PASTOR Our God has sent you to this place To lead us in the way That He would have us work and think And live from day to day. No matter the hour; whatever the need, You go the extra mile - Always ready and willing to share A comforting thought and a smile. We're grateful that you're here with us To teach us from His word, And we will try to do our best In service of our Lord. We thank you for your ministry, Your guidance and your care. His greatest blessings for your life Is our most humble prayer. Author Unknown From Christian Poems The Hope Christian Reformed Church, Ontario, Canada FEED MY SHEEP A small voice in the dark Whispering to an open heart My child, My child, listen to Me And the words to you I speak My child, My child, feed My sheep Though I tried to ignore it The voice wouldn't go away My child, My child What are you waiting for My child, My child, feed My sheep What do I have to give, I cried To those who are hungry and lost To those who stand in the dark What can I feed Your sheep Master, Master, I did cry What do I have to give, I asked Those who know sorrow and despair Those who know no hope or love What can I feed Your sheep Master, Master, I ask You Gather together within My fold My sheep who are hungry and lost My sheep who are standing in the dark And with the Bread of Life I give My child, My child, feed My sheep Hear My voice upon your heart Listen closely to what I say As I fed you with My words And also with My love and grace, so shall you My child, My child, feed My sheep Jackie, from Florida From Christian Poems The Hope Christian Reformed Church, Ontario, Canada TO OUR PASTOR'S WIFE When we thank God for our pastor We must give Him thanks for two, For when your husband came to us, God also sent us you. A pastor's wife must be many things, You have many hats to wear; And we say thanks for all you do And lift you up in prayer. You adjust your life to meet the needs Of your husband's congregation, And it seems that you can always cope With most any situation. Your presence blesses all of us Who know you from day to day. As our pastor's wife, you are serving God In a fine and worthy way. Author Unknown From Christian Poems The Hope Christian Reformed Church, Ontario, Canada THE PASTOR'S WIFE We often hear of Heroes on the news at night, How someone went into a fire To save someone else's life. But, there's another hero that we never hear about, Though Her love and dedication are never in a doubt. Often took for granted... Never glorified, Still she keeps on going for the person by her side. She stands beside him everyday no matter what ... is thrown their way, For he was called from above To spread the message of "GOD'S LOVE". And just as he was called... She was hand picked too. for it takes someone Special to do what she must do. And though he may get the Glory and he may get the Fame, She will stand beside him in Love and Help him just the same. She's the person he turns to when he needs a friend, She will always be there till the "Glorious End". I would like to take this moment to introduce to you, a LOVELY unsung Hero for whom GOD hand-picked to spend Her life as The Pastor's WIFE. Donna Golden, from the U.S. state of Georgia From Christian Poems The Hope Christian Reformed Church, Ontario, Canada This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page