October 2014

Dear Nazarene Family,

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. It's a time for us to show, in tangible ways, our love and respect for who they are and what they do. The majority of our pastors work bi-vocationally in order to serve the Church. Many receive little or nothing monetarily from the local church and never complain. They are "called by God" to do what they do. They serve us in many ways during the most important and challenging times of our lives.

Please find ways to thank our pastors this month. Talk to the church board secretary and see what you can do.

God bless you as you return honor and thanks to our leaders.Should you have any questions or suggestions on how we may be an encouragement to the clergy that lead us, feel free to contact me.

"Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority,

because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.
Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden,

for that would be of no benefit to you."

Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Grace and peace,

Pastor Art

District Superintendent

8 Ways to Encourage your Pastor

Simple acts that feed a shepherd.

by Victor Parachin

Sometimes pastors are the loneliest people in the church. Often their hours are long, the pay minimal, the criticism considerable and constant. Feelings of disappointment, discouragement, and defeat may begin to plague the best of them.

Paul's admonition to "serve one another in love" (Gal. 5:13 ) should encourage us to remember our shepherds. Here are eight ways to make their lives better.