You know what makes me more excited than ever to study and prepare and teach God’s Word? It isn’t my own teaching experiences. It’s sitting under the teaching of others. When I sit and receive the fruit of another’s toil and labor (because preparing to teach is toil and labor!), I get more stoked than ever to study, prepare and teach with (hopefully) excellence. I get overwhelmed with thankfulness when I have the honor of sitting under the God-centered teaching of others.
And I had the honor of doing just that this weekend. And as I was sitting in church last night, it just struck me: We need to write our pastors more thank you notes. Yes, we need to pray for them often. But we also just need to get out our pens and say a few simple words: Thank you. Or, just shoot off an email, but whatever you do, don’t bog them down with a million words or yet another suggestion or idea, but just say thank you. Those words go so far; let’s say them.
Right now.
Grab a pen. Or click “compose message.” Write a message. Think of what you are thankful for. Write it. Say it. Pray they would be blessed today. And tell them you appreciate them.
Go.
2 thoughts on “Thank Your Pastor”
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I will send one to your husband b/c he did a wonderful job convicting me on Sat. In the college parenting class! I didn’t know you had a 3.9 in college:). Smarty:). It was fun to hear some of his story!
Can only agree with my wife here, for obvious reasons. Pastors get lots of email and wish we could respond to every one. (Plus texts, Facebook messages, and all other digital communication modes.) For many there is a low level of continual guilt in not being able to respond to each. And fatigue.
While I am not the regular preacher at our church (and therefore rarely get an illustration ‘suggestion’ or other story from a member), I will say this: the lost art of a handwritten note speaks volumes. An email is good, a handwritten note may be better. One says I know you and took the time to think about who you are and what you contribute to my growing in Christ. (Know your pastor as he knows you and crafts a message each week connecting the Text and theology to life. He wishes he could say everything he’s thought about saying.)
A hand-written note also subtly communicates the recipient is appreciated and no response is needed. Continuing to be faithful is all the response intended.