It's October, so as a pastor, I'm reminded again that this is the month I'm supposed to receive a ton of appreciation. (Please note this is not a plea for appreciation!) To be honest, I've not met a single pastor who longingly looks forward to appreciation ceremonies in October.
I was curious about how Clergy Appreciation Month started, so I did what any average human would do nowadays; I "Googled It." Wouldn't you know it, the first result in the search was a page from Hallmark. On this page, Hallmark gives a few stats about religion in America, the purpose of the holiday, and then, of course, a handy little link to all their product for Clergy Appreciation Month. π€ Could this holiday be a front for more card sales.....? LOL (I used to work for Hallmark, so I can joke around about that!)
I have to tell you that the greatest appreciation I receive is seeing the family of God come together in worship, ask questions, have the desire to learn more about God's Word, and then spread all of that into our local communities. A pastor doesn't (or shouldn't) make the church. The body should make the church with a pastor coming alongside to encourage, equip, and guide as needed.
I appreciate all of you!
You might not know this, but most of the decision-making that goes on behind the scenes isn't dictated by the pastor. (Shhh, don't let that little secret get out).
We have great church boards, an excellent staff, and many people stepping into ministry roles. (As a pastor, it is my duty to tell you that serving is following in the example of Christ, and we have many more needs to fill during our Sunday services as well as our community ministries π)
Take time this month to send a big thank you to someone who is leading through serving, and, frankly, doing the real behind-the-scenes work.
Elder Board- the group that watches over FBC's spiritual direction and needs.
Mark Vincent
Steve Walker
I get to be in this awesome group as well!
Deacon Board - the group that looks after the practical needs of people inside and outside our fellowship.
Austin Bailey
Randy Nearing
Dean Acito
Trustee Board- the group that stewards FBC's resources (financial and property).
Carol Wills
Randy Nearing
Sue Nearing
Steve Simon
Kim Skidmore
Staff - the group that looks to the church's day-to-day operation and ensures our mission is being accomplished.
Kim Skidmore - Office Manager
Keri Abbott - Office Assistant
Sara Plumley - Worship Manager
David Forbes - Facility Director
Jens Beck - Custodian
Membership- the group that covenants together to work for Jesus our Savior and His Kingdom.
You'll have to look in the directory for all of your names and smiling faces!
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
Blessings to you, my FBC family. You are a joy to work with, and you have my sincere appreciation!
Great Appreciation
It's October, so as a pastor, I'm reminded again that this is the month I'm supposed to receive a ton of appreciation. (Please note this is not a plea for appreciation!) To be honest, I've not met a single pastor who longingly looks forward to appreciation ceremonies in October.
I was curious about how Clergy Appreciation Month started, so I did what any average human would do nowadays; I "Googled It." Wouldn't you know it, the first result in the search was a page from Hallmark. On this page, Hallmark gives a few stats about religion in America, the purpose of the holiday, and then, of course, a handy little link to all their product for Clergy Appreciation Month. π€ Could this holiday be a front for more card sales.....? LOL (I used to work for Hallmark, so I can joke around about that!)
I have to tell you that the greatest appreciation I receive is seeing the family of God come together in worship, ask questions, have the desire to learn more about God's Word, and then spread all of that into our local communities. A pastor doesn't (or shouldn't) make the church. The body should make the church with a pastor coming alongside to encourage, equip, and guide as needed.
I appreciate all of you!
You might not know this, but most of the decision-making that goes on behind the scenes isn't dictated by the pastor. (Shhh, don't let that little secret get out).
We have great church boards, an excellent staff, and many people stepping into ministry roles. (As a pastor, it is my duty to tell you that serving is following in the example of Christ, and we have many more needs to fill during our Sunday services as well as our community ministries π)
Take time this month to send a big thank you to someone who is leading through serving, and, frankly, doing the real behind-the-scenes work.
Elder Board - the group that watches over FBC's spiritual direction and needs.
Deacon Board - the group that looks after the practical needs of people inside and outside our fellowship.
Trustee Board - the group that stewards FBC's resources (financial and property).
Staff - the group that looks to the church's day-to-day operation and ensures our mission is being accomplished.
Membership - the group that covenants together to work for Jesus our Savior and His Kingdom.
You'll have to look in the directory for all of your names and smiling faces!
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
Blessings to you, my FBC family. You are a joy to work with, and you have my sincere appreciation!
Pastor Nick