Pastor Appreciation Day Is April 26, 2015
Every year local congregations in the Church of God are encouraged to set aside a time for recognizing and honoring the shepherd that has been anointed to lead the church. Pastor Appreciation resources are available through the Men’s Discipleship ministry of the Church of God. The theme for the 2015 Pastor Appreciation Emphasis is ONE With Our Pastor in Faith, Unity, and Mission based on Joshua 1:1-9.
“The Lord called Joshua to lead the people across the Jordon River, to victory over Jericho and into the Promised Land,” explained David Gosnell, coordinator of Men’s Discipleship for the Church of God. “Pastors, like Joshua, are dynamic servants of the Lord who are called by God, have a vision and a command from the Lord to trust Him (be strong and very courageous), and to lead people to the riches of a personal relationship with Him. The truth is, ministry is a battle. Joshua was leading the people into battle with the promise of God for victory. Yet, there was one more important element that must be understood. It is found in Deuteronomy 1:38.”
“As Moses was preparing to die,” Gosnell continued, “he told the Children of Israel, ‘Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there (Promised Land). Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.’ (Deuteronomy 1:38) Moses commanded the people to encourage their leader. There is power in encouragement.”
Pastor Appreciation Day is a special opportunity to encourage the pastor and his/her family.
A program guide is available with these emphases:
1. Recognition – To guide church members in UNDERSTANDING the scriptural and God-ordained position of the pastor.
2. Respect – To lead church members in DEMONSTRATING honor and support for the wide range of ministry responsibilities of the pastor.
3. Rewards – To support church members in EXPRESSING love and appreciation through special programs and gifts to honor the pastor and his/her family.
A special feature of this year’s Pastor Appreciation promotion will be the ONE WITH OUR PASTOR IN FAITH, UNITY, AND MISSION GROUP STUDY. A booklet has been developed that sets forth how church members can be “one” with their pastor in faith, unity, and mission. The study session can be taught on a Wednesday evening, Sunday night, or in a Sunday school class. The study is designed for each family to sit together and purchase a copy of the group study booklet. The price of the book has been set at a reduced rate to make it affordable for every family in the church.
Pastor Appreciation is a time to honor the pastor, but it must also focus on how the pastor and the people are ONE in faith, unity, and mission.
Pastor Appreciation theme bulletins, bulletin inserts, theme posters, love gift envelopes, the new Pastor Appreciation Book of Ideas, and more Pastor Appreciation resources are available at www.coglifebuilders.com. In addition, two free resources are offered on www.coglifebuilders.com: 70 Ways to Honor and Bless Your Pastor and Pastor’s Prayer Card. (Both are available for free download.)
Please join in making Pastor Appreciation Day a special celebration for your pastor.
For more information go to: www.coglifebuilders.com or call 423.478.7286.
