THE PASTOR'S WIFE

 When my husband and I married 38 years ago, he had not yet accepted the call to the ministry. Shortly afterwards (within 3 months) he accepted the call from God to become a minister of the Gospel.  There is much change in ministry that I have observed over the past 38 years. Here are a few changes, for the better, that I have observed:

• The role of a "pastor's wife" has changed. In many church enviorments the pastor's spouse serves in a greater leadership role. Before, in many church cultures it was more of a supportive role then a leadership role.
• The calling of the pastor's wife is often acknowledge in the local church. God has "hand-picked" the pastor's spouse as carefully as he has called the minister.
• This probably has come with wisdom, but pastors seem to value the time of the family more then in the past. Congregations also seem to value the time of the pastor more as well.

There are a few more I could name, but for the sake of boredom I will stop here. However, to the women that gives their support to the ministry. Thank you for your faithfulness! The Church would not be the same without you. 

During "Pastor Appreciation Month" we express our love and appreciation for you. Thank you for serving alongside of your husband. May God give you many more years together as servants in God's Kingdom.

Your friend in Christ, 

Carissa Lamb

LifePoint Ministries 

Ministers Wives Fellowship (MWF) Director 

Thank You Pastor!

I am thankful today for the many pastor friends that serves in a pastoral role. They have the heart of the Apostle Paul that stated, "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them" (I Corinthians 9:19 ESV).

Historically many have honored their pastor on the second Sunday of October each year. As far back as the first century the Apostle Paul encourages honoring the spiritual leader in your life (I Thessalonians 5:12,13).

 “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV).

There is a network of ministers that I am privilege to serve with through relationships; both within and outside of the organization I serve.

On this Pastor Appreciation Sunday, I make this commitment to you:

1. To love and respect you and your family

2. To value your calling

3. To pray for you regularly

4. To be an encourager

5. To offer ways to strengthen your ministry

6. What matters to you matters to me

I am also grateful to the spiritual leaders God has placed in my life and to you I say "thank you for being my pastor!"

 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” Jeremiah 3:15 KJV.

Please take time today, or this month to give special honor to the man or woman that serves you in this spiritual role. A card in the mail, a gift card to his\her favorite place to shop or have a meal, or some other gift is great to give your pastor. Take time in a church service this month to publicly acknowledge the pastor and his family. Don't forget the spouse, for they also play a vital role in this ministry.

I have cards that the children have made in Children's Church for my wife and I over the years for Pastor Appreciation. I have notes of appreciation that have been written by adults from congregations that we have served. I look back occasionally and find great joy in reading these "words of appreciation". Carissa and I have memories of this day and we are very grateful for many that said "thank you for serving."

Please honor your pastor and his family this month.

Happy Pastor (Clergy) Appreciation Sunday!