OBU: Building From the Past to Shape the Future Heath Thomas
Health and Heart Jacob King
MESSENGER
Brian Hobbs | Editor bhobbs@oklahomabaptists.org
Katie Brown | Ministry Assistant kbrown@oklahomabaptists.org
Brook Daniel | Graphic Designer bdaniel@oklahomabaptists.org
Jacob King | Staff Writer jking@oklahomabaptists.org
Bob Nigh | Contributing Writer bnigh@oklahomabaptists.org
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A joy to write to you
What a joy it is for me to write this article for the Messenger— my first since being involved in a serious auto accident at the end of July. As many of you know, I sustained serious injuries that required multiple surgeries and a lengthy stay in the hospital.
However, by God’s grace I am slowly, but surely, progressing in my recovery and am prayerful I will be able to fully return to work in the coming months. Jamy and I simply cannot find the words to express our appreciation to our Oklahoma Baptists family for the outpouring of love, messages, cards and acts of kindness that we have received.
We are humbled to be loved and cared for by so many. Most of all, we want to thank you for diligently praying for us. We have sensed the Lord’s presence through every step of the way and believe your prayers on our behalf have made a big difference. From the bottom of our hearts, my family thanks you.
There are so many things I wish I could write here about what the Lord has taught me through this trying time. Perhaps the biggest lesson was the reminder that my life is not my own. More than 40 years ago, I died to myself and embraced Christ as my Lord when I committed my life to follow Him. Today, in this crucible of physical and emotional hardship, the Lord has reminded me in vivid and powerful ways that my life is His and whatever He wants to do or allow in my life for His glory should be my greatest desire.
As a pastor, I have mentioned in countless sermons verses like Col. 3:3, “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” and 1 Cor. 6:1920, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” Perhaps more than ever before, I have learned the reality of these texts:
• I have learned in full measure that when life is not your own it truly is a vapor (Jms. 4:14). One moment I was driving down the highway and the next I was in an ICU surrounded by my family. Make sure you are following Christ today, because you truly do not know the moment when you will stand before Him in judgment.
• When life is not your own, you learn that you are not the one living, but rather Christ is living His life through you (Gal. 2:20). This is what enables you to make it through some of the toughest, darkest moments of life. How grateful we should be that we can rely on Jesus to empower and provide for us in every circumstance of life.
• When life is not your own, you learn to submit to God who may take your life down a path you never thought it would go in order to glorify Him in ways you never thought possible. Rather than lamenting what has happened to me, I am choosing every day to see how God will use what has happened for His kingdom.
There is much more I look forward to sharing in the days ahead as I get to again, Lord willing, be able to preach in churches, meet with pastors and resume my work for the convention. My goal is to be able to give my address in person at our Annual Meeting on Monday evening, November 11. I look forward to sharing some new and exciting things we will be launching at the state convention in order to help us accomplish our vision of serving churches, serving pastors and carrying out our gospel ministries. I hope to see you there!
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, voters across America will flock to the polls to decide who will be the next President of the United States, among many other important votes this Election Day.
Many have called this one of the most important elections in U.S. history, some even calling it “the most important election in history.”
When times like this emerge, I find it helpful to remember that there have been other times in our great nation’s history in which a historic and consequential election happened amid extremely divided times.
For example, the election I am thinking of featured two major political figures. The election was so close that on Election Day, the final results were not known. The Democrat nominee for President had clearly won the popular vote, but the Republican could still win the election by winning the Electoral College vote.
There were states like Florida where counting was still happening and in which important electoral votes were pending. Ultimately a small, appointed group had to deliberate and determine the final outcome of the election, and the Republican was named the winner weeks after Election Day.
That election was in 1876, and the Republican was President Rutherford B. Hayes, defeating Democrat Samuel Tilden, 185 electoral votes to 184. The decision by the Electoral Commission that was set up to decide the outcome was so controversial—and the nation so divided—that there was talk about a possible second Civil War (recall they were barely 10 years removed from the first Civil War). Thanks be to God, America survived that divided, contentious election and here we sit, 148 years after that election.
We are uniquely blessed to be living in the United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yet each generation must do its part, with a total reliance on Almighty God, to preserve and build upon it.
What can we, as Christ-followers do? The Bible says, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Tim. 2:1-3).
When the Apostle Paul penned those words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he was not exactly living under the rule of an admirable leader like George Washington. Yet Paul still encouraged believers to do the very things we ourselves can still do today:
- Pray for our leaders and all those in authority.
- Give thanks for the blessings we have.
- Lead a quiet and peaceable life that is godly.
Regardless of the outcome of the 2024 Election—as important as it certainly is—with God’s help, we can persevere as His people. Even amid divided times, even in a divided America.
In this episode, hear how the Lord is using Hope Pregnancy Centers to help women who are hurting from an abortion find hope and healing. www.baptistmessenger.com/forgiven-and-set-free/
BUILDING ON THE PAST TO SHAPE THE FUTURE
As we reflect on the past year, I am reminded of God’s unwavering faithfulness and His promises for the future. On April 19, 2023, an EF-2 tornado struck our campus— the most devastating natural disaster in Oklahoma Baptist University’s 114-year history. Yet, in the midst of destruction, we witnessed the Lord’s protection. By God’s grace, no lives were lost, and there were no serious injuries. God has begun to transform what we might call a “dark night” in OBU’s history into a oncein-a-century opportunity for renewal, a new dawn for a new future.
At OBU, we are moving boldly into the future with a radical faith that God will provide for the work begun here. Today, I invite you to join us in this moment of transformation as we launch our “Shape the Future” campaign. This bold step forward calls on our OBU family and friends to partner with us as we prioritize three strategic arenas for impact over the next thirty-six months. These three strategic priorities will empower our students to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. Over the next 36 months, we are prioritizing: (1) academic investment in relevant academic programs, (2) transforming our legacy learning facilities and (3) enhancing campus life for the future.
With these priorities, we are building on success. Our campus renewal is already well underway! When you visit campus, you will marvel at the physical rebuilding of our facilities, to be sure, but more than that, you will note strategic investment in new academic programs. These programs prepare students for workforce needs and market demands. But more importantly, these programs are intentionally designed to be taught from a Christian perspective. From start to finish, our students receive an education that is not only academically rigorous but deeply rooted in biblical truth. As we press forward, our commitment remains resolute: we know a Christ-centered education transforms lives.
This moment of rebuilding isn’t just about new buildings or better facilities; it’s about deepening our mission to prepare the next generation of Future Shapers who will impact the world for Christ. The work ahead of us
is rooted in faith and built upon a long-term vision for what God will do here on Bison Hill.
Over the next three years, our “Shape the Future” campaign will position OBU for long-term success and growth.
ACADEMIC
INVESTMENT is essential to equipping our students for impactful careers. We will strengthen our Health Science, STEM, Business and Liberal Arts programs, expand Online and Graduate Education, and establish endowed Professorships and Chairs to attract top faculty.
FACILITY IMPROVEMENT
will ensure our historic campus continues to serve future generations. Key projects include the renovation of Shawnee Hall, Thurmond Hall, Raley Chapel, and the Wood Science Building, each enhancing the academic and spiritual life of our community.
CAMPUS LIFE ENHANCEMENT will transform the student experience. Plans include upgrades to food services, athletic facility improvements, and a comprehensive masterplan to beautify campus with new sidewalks, trees and landscaping. We’ll also increase support for student clubs and organizations to foster vibrant community life.
These initiatives represent our commitment to providing a life-changing, Christ-centered education that prepares students for lives of leadership and service. With your support, we will shape a bold and faithful future for Oklahoma Baptist University.
I invite you to be part of this journey with us—to invest in our mission, in our students and in the future God is shaping for OBU. Together, let’s step forward in bold faith, trusting in the One who holds the future in His hands. Together, let’s inspire a generation to live all of life, all for Jesus.
Heath Thomas OBU President
Aim Straight
I grew up four miles south of Wewoka, out in the country. That’s where I learned to play in the barn, fish in the pond, catch crawdads in the creek and ride bikes in the pasture. Four miles south of Wewoka was a great place to grow up.
One summer day, my friend, Wayne, came for a visit. We pretty well did everything we could think of doing when it dawned on me. For some reason, my parents had given me a bow and a handful of arrows. I convinced Wayne that we should take turns shooting those arrows straight up in the air. The winner would be one who could make the arrow disappear into the sky and who would be the last one to run when the arrow came shrieking back to earth. Not getting impaled by an arrow would get you some bonus points. Suffice it to say, neither one of us was the sharpest knife in the drawer. And, no, there were no adults around that day.
It was a great game. We got proficient at shooting the arrow high enough that it would actually go out of sight. But it was a real contest to see which one of us stand his ground trying to dodge the arrow at the last second. If you stood there long enough, you could actually hear the arrows cutting through the wind. Did I mention that there were no adults around?
Because neither of us had been impaled by an arrow, we decided it was time to shoot the arrow a little higher. That’s when it happened. I think it was Wayne who shot the arrow. The reason I say that is I am the one telling the story, and I am not sure about the statute of limitations. So, we will blame Wayne.
For some reason, when Wayne pulled the arrow as far as back as he could, he sort of tilted the bow. When he released the arrow, we both immediately knew it was going toward the road. We kind of froze for a second but decided no one had come down the road in quite a while. So, this was going to be fine. That’s when we heard it.
A vehicle was coming down the road. Even with the limitations of our young minds, both of us just sort of did some geometric and trigonomic calculations. Immediately we knew the arrow was going to hit the vehicle.
It was an ONG gas truck. The man driving was probably thinking about a lot of things. Getting run through with an arrow was probably not on the list. Here came the truck from our left to our right and then the arrow came into sight.
Nope. It didn’t hit the truck. Nobody got killed. But the arrow stuck straight up in the blacktop road right off of the driver’s side fender. The driver immediately took evasive action and swerved to the right and then back to the left. I am not sure if he thought there would be other arrows launched at him. But he came really close to turning the truck over. That would have been his own fault.
He screeched to a stop. I can’t tell you what happened at that point. I wasn’t there. I took off like an Olympic track star. OK… I took off faster than Wayne did. I made a quick calculation that if one of us was going to get caught it would be better for me if it was Wayne.
I am not sure what the driver of the truck did. I suspect he collected himself and got saved. Life south of Wewoka is a fairly fragile thing. I made Wayne go get the arrow out of the middle of the road. If there wasn’t any evidence, who would believe the story of the man who said he almost got shot with an arrow. But I did stay in the house the rest of the afternoon in the bedroom almost under the bed just in case the sheriff showed up.
A couple of thoughts. One, just like the driver of the truck probably did, you ought to be saved. You never know when your time is coming or what strange way it might show up. Two, everybody needs a good friend you can blame stuff on. Three, aim straight. Misses are messy.
Joe Ligon
Oklahoma Baptists Sr. Associate Executive Director
Health & Heart
Oklahoma Baptist Churches Offering Free Health Care Clinics in Rural Oklahoma
In a post-pandemic world, the emphasis on health care has been more prominent than ever. Even before the pandemic, communities in rural areas had difficulty accessing affordable, local health care. To address this issue, in 2019 Aydelotte Baptist Church formed the Engage Free Clinic and Pharmacy, a volunteer and donation driven organization that serves Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Seminole and Hughes counties.
Patients of Engage Clinics typically come from more rural areas of Oklahoma, are working class and are dealing with conditions usually covered by insurance. They also focus on working families who can’t afford health insurance. By utilizing Telehealth and Telemedicine, Engage can reach people in those rural areas and give them the health care they require.
While patients are being treated, they are asked if they have any prayer requests which are kept track of in a file. One important emphasis Engage Clinics have is making sure the focus is on patients’ health care first and foremost.
“Our whole motto is that we don’t want people to feel pressured into the Gospel,” said Frank Kelly, executive director of the Engage Free Clinic of Shawnee. “Our volunteers share the Gospel after the patients have received treatment.”
The need for free Christian health care clinics became much greater during the COVID pandemic. During this time, the Christian free clinic market was decimated leaving a gap that needed to be filled.
Some of the main causes for the closure of faith-based clinics were lack of funds and lack of volunteers.
Engage Free Medical Clinics (EFMC) was created to rebuild the market by establishing an informal association of rural free clinics that receive supplies and medications from the main clinic at Aydelotte. At the main clinic, there are telemedicine upgrades that connect to the satellite clinics and pharmacy for mail order prescriptions. Satellite clinics are currently located in Shawnee and Holdenville with plans to open one in Chandler.
Since these clinics are funded mostly by donations, EFMC has had to conduct precise planning to keep costs affordable. By combining their telemedicine upgrades with common electronics, they have been able to create an effective system that connects urban resources, including volunteers, to more rural areas. Since EFMC uses telemedicine, medical specialists from anywhere in the state can volunteer and connect with patients they may have previously been unable to see.
Engage Free Medical Clinic staff
“A lot of the volunteers, the pharmacists, the practitioners, are medical missionaries who still go on mission trips,” said Kelly.
In the Fall of 2023, Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) began a partnership with EFMC, allowing nursing students to volunteer at Engage clinics and earn clinical hours. This partnership opportunity gives OBU nursing students a unique experience in nursing from the point of view of being a good neighbor and helping those in need. It’s a way for the students to engage in ministry while also expanding their nursing skills.
“At OBU, we like to think of nursing as not just employment, but also ministry; Christ’s hands and feet,” said Dr. Robin Brothers, OBU associate professor of nursing and community nursing course coordinator. “Engage, along with our other Community Nursing experiences, allows the students to see how they can use their degree to serve beyond a paycheck.”
Students who participate in the program are very helpful, assisting in day-to-day tasks and are willing to learn in areas where they may not be as experienced. OBU hopes to continue this great partnership and wishes EFMC will continue to grow.
“I am also hoping as Engage continues to grow and serve more areas of our region that we can expand with them in their outreach,” said Brothers. “Our Community class loves to serve! I have enjoyed Frank’s leadership and am always open for ideas where we can help in this mission.”
At its core, EFMC is a ministry effort. They present the Gospel to those who might not have otherwise heard it. While most churches and non-profits can provide food for those in need, organizations that provide medical assistance are much rarer.
“There is nothing as meaningful as healthcare,” said Bill Sisson, an Engage Oklahoma consultant. “You can go and get food anywhere, but healthcare is precious.”
As Engage continues to expand within their counties, they encourage other churches and organizations to create their own free medical clinic networks. To help make this happen, Engage will provide a free step-by-step business plan. Engage knows that starting a totally volunteer, donation driven faith based free clinic is not an easy task, so they are doing everything they can to help others start similar programs.
To learn more about EFMC or find out how to volunteer or start a free medical clinic, visit engagefreeclinic.com.
Jacob King Oklahoma Baptists Staff Writer
Invested
2024 ANNUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 11-12 | FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MOORE
MOORE—The 118th Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Baptists is set for Nov. 11-12 at Moore, First.
The Annual Meeting brings together messengers from Oklahoma Baptist churches across the state and features times for key business, worship through music, prayer, fellowship events and more.
The theme for the Annual Meeting is “Invested,” based on 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9.
Scheduled speakers include Brent Prentice, lead pastor of Stillwater, Eagle Heights; Oklahoma Baptists President Michael Butler, pastor of Chickasha, First; and Oklahoma Baptists’ Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher.
Fisher, who was involved in an extremely serious automobile accident in late July, has been in a lengthy recovery process. He hopes to address Oklahoma Baptists at the Annual Meeting, sharing what the Lord has put on his heart.
The event, which features ministry reports, will also offer extensive ministry exhibits for all those in attendance. Numerous auxiliary events will take place during the 2024 Annual Meeting.
Prior to the Annual Meeting, the annual Oklahoma Baptists Pastors’ Conference is scheduled to take place on Nov. 11 at the same venue.
For a full schedule of events, including messenger pre-registration and other information, visit oklahomabaptists.org/annualmeeting
ACROSS
1 Slightly open
5 School groups (Abbr.)
9 “Your feet __ with the preparation of the gospel” (Eph. 6:15)
13 “Though I be __ in speech” (2 Cor. 11:6)
14 The __ Supper
15 “Son of man cometh at an hour when ye __ not” (Luke 12:40)
16 Citrus drinks 17 Shaft
18 Jesus changed it into wine
19 What John came to do
21 “Blessed are ye that __ now” (Luke 6:21)
WORDSEARCH
23 Former speedy transport (Abbr.) 24 Wicked
Ruffles 29 Sneer at
Tel __ 32 Lion moniker
33 Goliath’s foe
36 God’s freely given mercy
37 The Ten Commandments, e.g.
38 Opposed to (dial.)
39 Christian symbol
40 Jesus’ foster dad (Sp.)
41 Tax agency
42 Oozy substance
43 “His word was with __” (Luke 4:32)
44 “__ us now go even unto Bethlehem” (Luke 2:15)
45 Abba
46 Mother’s Day month
47 Easter celebrations, e.g.
49 Jesus, __of God
50 “__ brought forth a son” (Luke 1:57)
53 Serpent sound
55 Dealt with
57 Shiny fabric
DOWN
1 Many in the Middle East
2 Jesus’ betrayer
3 Skillful
4 “Come unto me...I will give you __” (Matt. 11:28)
5 Public squares
6 “All the world should be __” (Luke 2:1)
7 Certain communication (Abbr.)
8 What Jacob fed his famished brother
9 Form
10 “Prophesy! Who __ you?” (Luke 22:64 niv)
11 Three Persons, __ God
12 Danish currency (Abbr.)
15 Disciple number
20 Footnote abbreviation (Lat.)
22 Long stories 26 “Ye bear witness that ye __ the deeds of your fathers” (Luke 11:48)
27 Taunt
28 Parable subject with seeds
29 Great noise
30 Pleasant smell
31 Flower holder
33 Our __ bread
34 “__ with thine adversary quickly” (Matt. 5:25)
35 Former Microsoft product
60 “What’s the bright __?”
62 “Let him impart to him that hath __” (Luke 3:11)
63 Bias
64 Pinches
65 Standard
66 “Who can __ war against it?” (Rev. 13:4 niv)
67 “Your Father, who __ what is done in secret” (Matt. 6:4 niv)
68 Capital of Western Samoa
36 Certain stagehand
39 Potter’s needs
40 “Good tidings of great __” (Luke 2:10)
42 Treatment for a broken bone
43 Window feature
46 Mire
48 European river
49 Cliff (arch.)
50 “Latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to __ down and unloose” (Mark 1:7)
51 ___ Matisse, painter
52 Swelling
54 “Thy __ are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20)
56 She saw Baby Jesus in the temple
57 Compass dir.
58 Pie __ mode (2 words)
59 Name in a photo
61 What Jesus does on Calvary
WORDS ENGAGE
Note: The word clues are chosen by Messenger staff, while the puzzles and letters surrounding the clues are computer-generated at
MISSIONARIES CONNECT PHARMACY
Church NEWS
NEW CONGREGATIONS/AFFILIATES
Tulsa, Greater New Grove (New Congregation)
Pastor: Johnnie R Jones Sr. 14147E 12th St., Tulsa, OK 74108
Tulsa Metro Association
Stillwater, Mehan Union (New Affiliate)
Pastor: Toby Tiner
8300 E 68th, Stillwater, OK 74074
Cimmaron Association
Oklahoma City, Providence (New Congregation)
Pastor: Brett Middleton
2233 W I-44 Service Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Metro Baptist Network
FLOYD HONORED FOR 40 YEARS IN PASTORATE
On Sept. 8, Great Plains Association (GPBA) honored Charlie Floyd for 40 years ministry as pastor at Texola, First. GPBA director of missions Danny Ringer, left, presented Floyd a certificate from the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission, and former DOM Ralph Chapman presented Floyd with a certificate from the Association.
3 Questions for Church Bus Buyers:
TRIBUTES
Jerry Arterberry died Aug. 7. He was the husband of Deborah Arterberry (Johnston-Marshall Association Ministry Assistant).
Kent Brown, died Aug. 31. He was the brother of Art Brown, pastor of Connerville, First and former Director of the Oklahoma Baptist Home for Girls Home in Madill.
Pam Crow died in September. She was the wife of John Crow, pastor of Broken Bow, Chapel of the Pines.
Frank Foutch died Sept. 9. He was a former director of Oklahoma Baptists’ Religious Education Dept.
Eula Mae Mills died Sept. 7. She retired after serving 30 years with the Woman’s Missionary Union of Oklahoma Baptists.
Stella Lane Rawlings died Sept. 8. She was retired circulation manager with the Baptist Messenger.
1. Which Bus Company has sold more buses and vans to churches than any other company in the country?
1 Answer: Carpenter Bus Sales
Doesn’t that make it easy to know who to work with?
2. Which is the only Bus Company to offer a FREE 8 Year / Unlimited Mile Body & Chassis Warranty on all new buses and vans sold to churches?
3. Which Bus Company has the largest in-stock, readyto-deliver inventory of buses and vans?
Eula Mae Mills
Stella Rawlings
Good News
God is at work at The Vine, a ministry of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC). We hope you enjoy reading a few exciting updates from OBHC!
• Two residents received their driver’s permit this month and are so excited!
• Someone graciously donated a car to one of the moms on campus.
• Some staff and students participated in the President’s Leadership Conference and Banquet and had an amazing time.
• One of the campus moms gave birth to her first baby, and both are healthy and thriving!
• Some of the younger residents had a great time on their zoo field trip.
• Someone offered to give the children at The Vine free haircuts in preparation for the Back-to-School Dinner Event.
Join us throughout the year in praying for our missionaries, serving locally and around the world!
MISSIONARYPrayer Guide
Who & Where Why
Taylor Pratt and her husband, Peyton, live in Tahlequah. Taylor serves as the associate director of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) at Northeastern State University (NSU). She works with freshmen and transfer students who are new to campus, but her main role is in women’s ministry where she plans events and meets with several ladies a week. Seeing the ladies grow and mature in their walk with Christ is a definite encouragement to her.
Please pray for Mike who serves Oklahoma Baptists as the Director of Global Missions. He has the privilege of helping Oklahoma churches send missionaries and missions teams overseas, whether for short term or for long term with the International Mission Board. Mike loves watching people be on mission, especially for the first time. It is life changing and seems to make them more effective when they come back home.
As the Ministry Wives Ministry Partner, Amy Petersen builds strategies to connect with and support the wives of ministerial staff in the more than 1,800 churches across Oklahoma. Her goal is to encourage and foster the health and wellness of ministry wives, who are integral to the health and wellness of ministers, their families, and churches. She finds celebrating the blessings of ministry as well as normalizing the challenges and pointing women to Jesus to be especially rewarding.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief has been serving in some of the most devastating crises in the state and nation for more than 50 years. With more than 5,000 trained volunteers, it is considered to be one of the largest disaster relief ministries in the Southern Baptist Convention. Experienced volunteers working side-byside stand always ready to help those impacted by the devastating effects of disasters. They offer help and hope, meeting people at their point of greatest need.
How to Pray
Pray for Taylor and Peyton as they learn to balance life and ministry with a new baby.
Pray Taylor will disciple the young women at NSU well.
Pray the Gospel will flourish among the students at NSU.
Mike’s wife was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer four years ago. Pray God gives her many more years on this earth.
Pray people will respond to God’s call to go to the nations.
Pray God will move across our great state to reach people at home and around the world.
Pray Amy can prioritize the immediate needs of ministry wives in our state and be diligent in addressing them.
Pray God will grant Amy wisdom as a wife, mom, and leader.
Pray Amy will genuinely and consistently pursue Jesus as a priority.
Please pray that as disaster relief volunteers go across the country and around the world, they would be safe and effective.
Pray those impacted by natural disasters would have hearts that are soft toward Jesus' Gospel of salvation.
Pray victims of disaster would know that Jesus loves them through the actions of disaster relief volunteers.
Taylor Pratt
Amy Petersen
Mike Wall Disaster Relief
How Church Leaders Can Lead the Way in Showing Appreciation for Pastors
Church leaders can take full advantage of Pastor Appreciation Month as an annual opportunity to cultivate a culture of honor in their churches by appreciating their pastors. Here are four ideas to help prime your pastor appreciation pump.
Encourage your pastor personally
The pastor’s job is to “keep watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17, CSB). But sometimes he needs you to watch over him as well. Whether they’re leading successfully or failing miserably, in season and out of season, every pastor needs the respect and love of their church family.
“Regard them very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:13, CSB)
Start by personally writing a note of appreciation or taking him to lunch or a fun activity. Clarify that your pastor and his family are beloved members of your church family and not just an employee.
Recognize your pastor publicly
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you” (1 Thessalonians 5:12, CSB)
Respect is nothing more than a noble sentiment until it is formalized. Pastor Appreciation Month can help your church members translate private sentiments into public expressions of love, respect, and appreciation for pastors.
A public blessing from the stage on Sunday morning increases the positive impact exponentially—for your pastor, his family, your church, and the Lord. Put the pastor’s family photo in the church bulletin or on social media and simply say: “Thank You!”
Bless your pastor tangibly
“Let the one who is taught the word share all his good things with the teacher” (Galatians 6:6, CSB).
The pastor’s job is to take care of his church. And it is the church’s job to tangibly take care of their pastors. It is your pastor’s job and joy to keep watch over you (Hebrews 13:17). But sometimes he needs you to watch over him—and his spouse—as well.
“The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching”
(1 Timothy 5:17, CSB).
“Double honor” is a financial term that Paul only uses here and reserves for those who served the church as pastors/elders/overseers. God’s people should pay their pastors generously, although no specific amount is given.
Financial security is key to a pastor’s resiliency. Organizations like Guidestone help churches adequately protect, provide for, and prepare their pastors for a strong finish.
Own the initiative
Scripture is clear about the importance of showing honor to all people but particularly to our pastors. Unfortunately, pastors often have the awkward job of equipping their members to do so. Although October is Pastor Appreciation Month, how many of your church members know or care?
Will you be the one to take the initiative to step up and lead out? If you do, I believe your church will follow your lead and your pastor will appreciate your efforts tremendously.
“Take the lead in honoring one another” (Romans 12:10, CSB).
My favorite Pastor Appreciation idea is to leave a blessing basket in the worship lobby on the remaining Sundays in October for people to leave cards and gifts for their pastors. These are a few ideas to help you bless them.
Aaron and Hur stepped up by lifting up Moses’s hands during a crucial battle:
“When Moses’ hands grew heavy…Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down” (Exodus 17:12, CSB).
Your pastor needs an Aaron or Hur to do for him what he cannot do for himself.
October is a great opportunity for church members to honor and bless their pastors, but if your church calendar won’t cooperate, do it any time of the year like a key anniversary or birthday. God bless you for blessing your pastor.
Written by Mark Dance, Originally published to Lifeway
