October is Pastors appreciation month. I don’t know if your church is doing anything for you or not. I don’t know if you are full-time, part-time, or volunteer-time. I don’t if you have a Children’s Ministry of 20, 200, or 2,000. And I don’t need to know. What I do know is you make a difference in kids’ lives.
Thank You for…
…The times you couldn’t sleep because of the vision God put in your heart. Sometimes it felt more burden than blessing, but you kept going.
…When you were gossiped about and didn’t retaliate. Take heart: You are not alone.
…Giving without asking to be thanked. We live in a world that aches for the applause of the crowd. Even when you wanted that (and who doesn’t from time to time?) you remembered an audience of one is who you are living for.
…Coming in early to get everything ready, then staying late to make sure everything gets put back so the janitor doesn’t have to. He probably didn’t say it (and neither did your families or leaders) but please let me: It is so awesome you do that!
…Going all out so the Bible comes alive for kids. They’re attention span is short but their hearts are curious. You may not get the “Attaboy!” other pastors do for their teaching, it doesn’t mean they aren’t grateful or God’s Word won’t change them.
…Putting up with well-intentioned people who say stupid things. Their words cut deeper than The Highlander’s katana right before The Quickening, but you know better. You are a real pastor and you don’t need a title to prove it.
…Not giving up on that one kid. You know who I’m talking about. We’ve all got one. He may be the next Billy Graham. He may not. But he matters just as much. Thanks for believing in him when others decided to quit.
…Taking the heat and passing the praise. Your volunteers don’t always see you do that. It may feel counter-cultural, but it is so great you lead that way. You are good at what you do.
…Attending lots of meetings you wish you could get out of. Like it or not, those kinds of things help make Children’s Ministry possible. Thanks for taking the hit so your church can share God’s love to the next generation.
…The times you wanted to quick but didn’t. The world is a better place because you decided to stay. The light shines brighter because you didn’t give up.
I love you guys! I am proud to call myself a Pastor to Kids.
—
Jeff McClung 