Pastor Appreciation

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. For those of us who attend a church we can sometimes take this person for granted. According to Lifeway Ministries about 250 leave the ministry every month. Around 50 churches close each week in America. The stress of ministry can take its toll on spouses, family and the Shepherd inwardly as well. One survey asked, “What do you struggle with most in ministry?” The answer, “Loneliness.” But they do amazing things serving their flocks and others in the name of Jesus. John B. Lowe II is the Pastor of New Life Church and World Outreach in Warsaw. A dynamo for God, the church he and his wife Debbie have led will celebrate 35 years this Sunday! I thought it would be interesting to ask someone with this much experience, “What are four things your desire from those who attend your church?” He responded with the following. “1. Encounter Jesus in a tangible way. 2. Accept the challenge of not letting anyone out love you. 3. Experience consistent transformation. 4. Give their life away to the world they live in.” To appreciate Pastors the best thing we can do is to put into practice the truths the Lord places on their hearts as they share the Word with us weekly. They don’t want us to focus on them but on Jesus, and love this World as we grow in His grace and mercy. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” Pray for and support your Pastor. There is a spiritual battle going on all around us and many times they are the casualties. Take a moment to thank them and their family this month. To Pastors John and Debbie and many others in Kosciusko County who selflessly serve, “well done, faithful servants!”