October is recognized as Pastor Appreciation month. I decided to take some time to consider how much I appreciate my pastor and his family for the leadership role they play in my life. So I wondered … if I wrote my pastor a letter, what would it say?
If I wrote my pastor a letter, I’d say thank you for being committed to your calling. I have driven past the church many times to see your vehicle in the lot and knew you were preparing for an upcoming service. You could be anywhere doing anything, but you chose to submit to your calling and stay prepared to lead those in your care. You preach with conviction and take time to support those in the altar. You can be hungry, in pain, tired from travel, yet still take time to minister to those seeking help.
If I wrote my pastor a letter, I’d say thank you for making my burdens your own. When my husband and I were praying for a child, you were right there praying and weeping with us. If it mattered to us, it mattered to you. You were there to help us look at houses, consider business and employment decisions, and advise on travel arrangements. No question was too trivial. You were patient. You were invested. You prayed about it and were present in our successes.
If I wrote my pastor a letter, I’d say thank you for not being a yes man. Instead, you chose to be a let’s see what God says about it man. When my husband and I moved to the area, we were in a severe financial bind. I interviewed for a dream job that would afford us to get out of debt and live quite comfortably. The team advanced me to the next stage of interviews and I felt I would be the chosen candidate. I was excited about the possibilities, but my husband didn’t want me to make that nearly two hour drive. I asked for your advice and didn’t get the answer I was hoping for. Your no response hurt. I cried. However, I’ve seen the result of others who went against their pastor’s advice and didn’t want that experience. I immediately submitted a withdrawal from the interview. A few months later God answered our deepest prayer. Your role as watchman has kept me from many horrible predicaments.
If I wrote my pastor a letter, I’d say thank you for not caving under the current pressures of our racially charged climate. I know it has been difficult. I know it has been painful. I’m aware of what others have said about you and your family. Yet, I choose to stand by you. I have seen first hand, since I was four years old, the generosity and care you and your family have shown to people of color in our community and beyond. Those who have tried to tarnish your character haven’t even tried to include me in their conversation. I know the truth. Your consistency is undisputed. Your genuineness unblemished. All were treated like loved family. There were many times your family stocked our freezer, gave us clothing, paid a bill, or was there for casual conversation and laughs. My race was never a determining factor for how I or my family would be treated or seen. Just know that my family will not entertain any of that foolishness that has been used to tear you down, nor will we make you feel like you need to walk on egg shells around us. You are appreciated.
If I wrote my pastor a letter, I’d say thank you for maintaining the integrity of the pulpit. You never allowed just anyone to sit on the platform or minister to us. I will never forget in 2007, while working at Dillards, when three men approached me separately and inquired where I went to church. Each one asked me for the name of the church. Then they asked for the name of the pastor. When I told them your name, their demeanor changed. The charismatic smiles became angry scowls. The first told me to tell you he had his own church now. The second was still upset that you wouldn’t let him join you on the platform as a first time visitor and minister. The third, also wanted you to know he had his own church. I pray for the saints they lead. No one should have that type of visceral hatred from an incident of that type from years ago. Hearing their words and seeing their bitterness made me more appreciative that you didn’t allow them to speak into my life. I have enough spiritual warfare on my plate to not include theirs in the mix.
If I wrote my pastor a letter, I’d say thank you for not spreading my business around town. I can go to you in confidence knowing that our conversations for guidance and advice remain discrete, unless outside resources are merited. I’ve seen where others in ministry used their inside knowledge of conversations to ridicule and abuse. I appreciate that you don’t think less of me when I make ill-thought decisions and run to you for help. You always say that decisions don’t have to be fatal and instill a sense of hope and faith back into my situations.
I don’t always know how to put into words my gratitude for good leadership. I can only tell what I’ve experienced and seen. I just want my pastor to know there is a lot behind the simple words “thank you” and that he, his family, and his influence on my life and spiritual well-being is desired and appreciated.
Thank you, pastor!