Yesterday, I experienced a first in the ministry. Things were going along in our Sunday worship service when all of the sudden, the service gets “hijacked” by one of the deacons. He made his way to the stage with a microphone in hand and proceeds to take over the service for a moment.

Now, some of you reading this may be getting worried. I have to admit that for a split second as this whole ordeal took place, I was a little worried. When I realized who it was that had the microphone, I then realized what was going on… or at least I thought I did.

October has been set aside as Pastor Appreciation Month. Who set this up, I have no clue. I had heard rumblings that the deacons were in the process of putting a video together of church members expressing their appreciation to our church’s pastoral staff. I had no clue what all they had been up to though.

Each of the pastors of our church was brought to the front of the church along with their families. The praise team then led the congregation in singing a prayer over the pastors and their families. That experience was very humbling. We are told many times that we are being prayed for, but to hear the prayers… in song form… I have to admit, it touched my heart.

If that weren’t enough, there was a gift given to each of the pastors with the instructions to use it to have a night out with the wife on the church. They had even set up childcare for whenever it is needed. This spoke volumes to me as it was a reminder that we need to make sure that we are taking care of the first “congregation” that God has given us – our families, especially our spouse.

I am still trying to gather myself from this experience. It touched my family in a deep way. I love our faith family. I wouldn’t trade them for the world. It is encouraging to know that as we serve the Lord here, we are not alone in the fight. I would encourage you to make sure that you let your pastor(s) know what they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. Don’t let it be just a hashtag or once a year thing. The work that God has called us to is a good work. It is demanding though. The appreciation that is voiced and demonstrated helps pastors in the good work.

Thank you, FBC Fulton, for the ways that you love my family. I can’t wait to see what it is that God is up to in our midst!