Welcome back to The Church Resource, your go-to place for insightful discussions about the best resources for churches, leaders, and laypeople. In today's episode, Lucas Pinckard sits down with Dr. Chris Respass to talk about a topic that's both encouraging and a bit tricky — Pastor's Appreciation Month.
How do pastors really feel about being appreciated? Should we celebrate Pastor's Appreciation Month? What's the biblical perspective, and how does it affect pastors personally and spiritually? Lucas and Dr. Chris dive deep into these questions and more.
Dr. Chris opens up about his own struggles with receiving praise and recognition. For many pastors, appreciation can feel uncomfortable—especially when they see their role as simply doing their job or fulfilling their calling. Chris explains his internal wrestling with feeling worthy of praise when he feels he's still growing or not quite "perfect" in his work. There's an ongoing tension between humility and the desire for encouragement, and it's a challenge many pastors face.
They also touch on how pastor appreciation can sometimes lead to unintended consequences—such as pastors resting on their laurels or feeling conflicted about receiving honor that they believe belongs to God. It's a delicate balance of accepting love and encouragement without letting it inflate the ego or detract from the ultimate focus on God's glory.
Lucas and Chris share candid stories and pastoral wisdom about why appreciation matters, even if it feels awkward at times. One pastor's advice stood out: "Don't block someone's blessing." Often, congregants feel called by God to bless their pastors, and rejecting those gestures can unintentionally stop God's work through them.
The episode also emphasizes that pastors need encouragement to help them through difficult seasons, and simple acts like thank-you notes or baked goods can mean more than people realize. Many pastors leave ministry due to burnout and lack of affirmation. Showing appreciation is a powerful way to keep them encouraged and engaged.
For anyone in church leadership or anyone who loves their pastor, this episode offers helpful insights into how to celebrate and encourage pastors in a way that honors God and uplifts those who serve.
Key topics covered:
- Biblical foundation for pastor appreciation
- Personal struggles pastors face with praise and recognition
- The balance between humility and encouragement
- How appreciation impacts pastoral longevity and morale
- Practical ways to encourage and bless your church leaders
If you want to understand your pastor better and learn how to support them in meaningful ways, this episode is for you!
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