During the month of October, we take time to honor our pastors and the leadership in our churches. We look for ways to show them how much they are appreciated. Our pastors end up with lots of gift cards, but I have found for many in leadership the most meaningful gift that leaves the greatest impact is the gift of encouragement.
And the good news is it is probably the least expensive gift but most sincere thing we could give to the men and women who lead our churches. The Bible is very clear that we hold great power in our ability to communicate.
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.” – Proverbs 10:21
We just need to take the time to give the gift. We think about it and even talk about it with friends: the way we are blessed by the fellowship and accountability we experience at church, the way the message really spoke to us last Sunday, and how the music during worship has powerfully impacted our ability to connect with the message. But we don’t actually share these things with our leaders often enough. I suppose we assume they know and see it happening.
The reality is that our leaders work so hard each day to prepare a place and space for us to grow and learn and experience His presence. They pour into us through their preparation, prayers, and the way they intentionally invest in relationships with members and people in our community to expand the Kingdom. However, they don’t get to hear the victories that we experience as a direct result of their work often enough.
So this October take the time to stop by the office to share how their ministry has impacted you. Let them hear from you about what God is doing in your life and in your family through their hard work. Write a personal note that thanks them for their diligence and obedience and why it is making a difference in your life and in eternity. Encourage your friends and family members to do the same thing.
If you ask your pastor, I bet he has a small stack of letters and notes that people have written him. It is small because unfortunately it just doesn’t happen often enough, but I bet he has them because when you do receive them as a leader in ministry, they are treasures. He pulls them out and rereads them when discouraged.
And while you are at it, pray for your leaders. As a family, during the month of October pray for the leaders in your church. They need it as they pour out so you can be poured into. One note and one month of prayers can make a huge impact. Don’t underestimate the power of your encouragement. And don’t hesitate, take the step and do it! It will be such a tremendous and powerful gift.
