and I anticipated seeing my father honored and blessed in a special way. This was the day that all his sacrifices throughout the year were recognized by our congregation. I wondered if they really understood the time my family invested in the church. I remember being anxious as we hoped the members felt we had made an impact upon the kingdom of God and our local church. That special day was never about me or my sister, nor about our mom, the pastor’s wife. It was simply about the pastor. How-
G
DON’T FORGET THE PASTOR’S FAMILY
ever, it is not just the father and mother who are called into the ministry; rather, it is the entire family’s calling to serve. During my first pastorate, I was approached by the chairman of the church council, asking me what I would like to see done for Pastor Appreciation Day. As I thought about the many sacri- fices that children growing up in the min- istry make and how they are often forgot- ten until they do something wrong, I said, “I only ask one thing—please recognize my wife and my children. Even if there are not enough funds for us all, please make sure that appreciation is given to them. It has been the calling placed upon my life as a preacher of the gospel—to fol- low the heart of God—that has called my family to the pastorate. So, for their sacri- fice, honor them on this day.”
I am proud to say that my first church did just what I asked, showering my chil- dren and my wife with hugs, cards and gifts, and the impact on my family was immeasurable. Suddenly, they felt as if they were a part of our ministry, rather than silent partners. Witnessing my fam- ily’s reaction was more meaningful to me than the gifts I received for myself. A few years ago, a mentor told me, “Remind your kids as often as you can
24 EVANGEL • APR 2010
by BRIEN STURGILL
“DO MORE THAN TOLERATE OR VERBALLY RECOGNIZE THE CHILDREN IN YOUR PASTOR’S FAMILY. SHOW THEM THAT THEY TOO ARE SERVING IN A CAPACITY OF HONOR, AND THAT THEIR SACRIFICES AND INPUT INTO THE MINISTRY ARE APPRECIATED.”
that they share in the calling. They are as important to your ministry as you are— they are not just to simply be seen and not heard.” These were life-changing words for my wife and me and our children. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus charged His disciples to understand the significance of children, saying, “Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” While God’s Word instructs us to give “double honor” to those who “direct the affairs of the church” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV), we also must remember that it is in our childlike faith that God is glorified the most. One lesson I have learned, although it was a difficult process, is that our great- est reward is not tokens of appreciation from man but rather the favor of God. As a former preacher’s kid and now a father of four children of my own, I encourage my church and yours to do
more than tolerate or verbally recognize the children in your pastor’s family. Show them that they too are serving in a capac- ity of honor, and that their sacrifices and input into the ministry are appreciated. This year, make it a point to be involved in the lives of those children. Find out a special interest they have, whether it be a sport, a hobby, or an area of ministry. Make efforts to fund or supplement one of their passions. If they play an instrument, purchase an upgrade for them, or pay for maintenance on a current instrument (guitar strings, music books, etc.). If they play sports, find out their game schedule and attend a game, or purchase new athletic shoes or equip- ment for them. If their interest is in edu- cation, pay for a portion of their college tuition, purchase school supplies, or buy a needed computer or software for them. If the pastor’s children are adults, offer to bring them home to see their mother and father, paying a portion of their travel expenses for them to be there for Pastor Appreciation Day.
This year, make efforts to simply be more aware of the sacrifices of the pas- tor’s children, showing them that they are important to you as well as to their parents, and do not let this day be the only day you show your appreciation. True appreciation is showing you care throughout the entire year.
Brien Sturgill is senior pastor of the Chris- tian Life Center Church of God in Yakima, Washington.
ROWING UP in a pastor’s home, I remember looking forward to Pastor Appreciation Day. Year after year, my sister
The Sturgill family
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