HARRISBURG (BRN) – Pastoral wellness is a vital part of a healthy church, and what better time to encourage pastoral wellness than during October, Pastor Appreciation Month.
Despite the directness of the name, this does not mean that October is our sole opportunity to encourage those shepherding and pastoring the local church.
However, this special month does present churches and church members with the chance to set aside some well-deserved, specific time of recognition and appreciation for their pastors.
“Everybody does not do traditional anniversary services where they annually acknowledge their pastors, so Pastor Appreciation Month or Ministers Appreciation Month is that time that you just take aside to say, ‘thank you’ [and] to help give some encouragement to those who have been called to lead our local congregations,” explained Dr. Larry Anderson, BRN director of church health and evangelism and senior pastor at Great Commission Church in Philadelphia.
Acknowledging this particular month, or setting aside another time to encourage your pastor, can be vital not only for a pastor’s health, but also for the church’s overall health.
“I think many times we can look at the pastor as a paid employee, and sometimes we can forget the humanity of the person and the sacrifice that is made,” said Anderson. “We forget many times that they’re doing it, yes, for the Lord, but on behalf of the people.”
He continued: “In reality, there should be this idea that, Pastor, we want you to take off ,we want you fresh, we want you to relax, we want you to go spend time away with your spouse [and] with your children, because when I’m healthy at home, which is my first ministry, I’ll be much more healthier at church.”
It’s no secret that the role of a pastor can be weighty and, at times, discouraging. A pastor is often not only bearing his own burdens, but also those of others.
“You always feel like you’re never doing or never seeing the results that you want to see, because when we’re doing things for God we want everything to be excellent and we want 100% of people.”
He continued: “We, as pastors, have such a deep passion and heart to see everyone coming and growing and showing their growth through serving, [so} to not see that gives a level of disappointment, and sometimes when you’re not encouraged that disappointment can turn to despair and, ultimately, depression.”
In an effort to keep pastors healthy and aid churches in encouraging their pastors, the Baptist Resource Network (BRN) offers several Pastoral Wellness opportunities that promote recreation, respite, restrengthening and reassurance.
Recreation
Sometimes a break from the office and a step away from the commentaries is exactly what a pastor needs. Through free, regional Pastoral Blessing events and gatherings, the BRN hopes to provide pastors and their families with a day of rest and fun.
In the past, these events have included a day at the golf range, a trip to the zoo, Major League Baseball games, a show at Sight & Sound Theater, a day on the water, dinner out and many other refreshing events.
Pastors and churches may reach out to their regional BRN church health consultant to learn about upcoming Pastoral Blessing opportunities.
Respite
There are seasons where one day off is just not enough. If your pastor is in need of respite, the BRN offers pastors and their wives free use of its Guest House in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The BRN Volunteer House in Harrisburg and the Warren House in Pittsburgh are also available for pastors and their families to enjoy. Upon request, pastors can access a list to other pre-approved respite locations provided by the BRN.
Restrengthening
Through annual conferences, such as the Accelerate Conference and Advance Conference, and cohort opportunities, the BRN hopes to provide pastors with an outlet for continued education and moments of gathering with other pastors in the Pennsylvania/South Jersey region. Each one of these conferences and cohort opportunities, like Iron Sharpens Iron, offers pastors a chance to receive counseling and coaching from BRN church health consultants and other area pastors.
Reassurance
In the day-to-day, pastors have plenty to attend to, which is why the BRN strives to provide reassurance for long term necessities, such as finances and legacy planning. By partnering with GuideStone Financial Services, BRN pastors have access to free protection benefits and retirement contributions for qualified candidates. GuideStone also offers a number of other financial services specifically tailored to pastors and churches.
Pastors can also benefit from the BRN’s Legacy and Estate Planning services. Through #LegacyPASJ, pastors are invited to attend free Legacy Planning Workshops, they have access to a free, online Will platform and can financially plan for the future.
Along with these resources, there are many other ways to encourage and appreciate the pastors in your life during Pastor Appreciation Month and all year round. Contact the BRN Help Desk at helpdesk@brnunited.org for more information on Pastoral Wellness opportunities offered by the BRN.
