Focus On The Family is an influential Christian organization that understands the unique needs of pastors and their families, especially the need for encouragement and appreciation.
They offer clergy appreciation resources to make a church's appreciation efforts a success.
Of course, there are several ways to honor your pastor but giving a tangible gift to the pastor is one way to express gratitude and love.
H.B. London Jr. was the vice president of Pastoral Ministries for Focus on the Family for several years and the author of numerous books about and for pastors.
I knew him as my father's pastor when he pastored Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene.
HB (as he is often called) served as a Nazarene senior pastor for over 30 years in several churches in Oregon and California. Before retiring, he led the Pastoral Ministries Department of Focus on the Family.
Because of his great concern for hurting pastors (often referred to as wounded shepherds), HB has become an international "pastor to pastors" even in his retirement.
As an author and pastor-encourager, Dr. London's insights are so accurate that some pastors feel as if he can read their minds and hearts. The simple truth is that he shares out of his own pastoral journey and experiences.
In the role of Champion for Pastor Appreciation, HB states the following on the Focus On The Family Clergy Appreciation Resource website
Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures.
Those are unrealistic expectations to place on anyone, yet most of us are disappointed when a pastor becomes overwhelmed, seems depressed, lets us down or completely burns out.
The good news is that churches offering pastor appreciation can make a difference and doing so is one way to counter the negative erosion in the lives of our spiritual leaders with the positive affirmation they need.
Check out Focus On The Family for your pastor appreciation resources to make your pastor appreciation month a great success.