Dear Pastors: Exactly What Do You Do for a Living?

With Pastor Appreciation Month still in full swing, I started thinking about what it is that we New Hopers treasure, cherish and admire about Pastors Chuck, David, Phillip and Sidney.

Is it the countless hours they put in? Are they on duty 24/7? Are they really ever off the clock, aside from scheduled vacations? Or is it all about appreciating their responsibilities to us, to God, to Church with a big “C” and to community?

Which then begs the question: What exactly are their responsibilities? OK, here’s the big dumb question: What do pastors do for a living? Save souls? Spokesmen for God? Miracle workers? Just be human?

As far as I can tell after just 2.5 years here, it’s that and much more:

  • Spiritual leadership

  • Care

  • Administration

  • Teaching

  • Events

  • Ceremonies

  • Professional development

  • Friend and confidante

And with all that crowding their pastoral plates, what time can they possibly carve out for casting the vision of New Hope’s next steps — for our good?

We Appreciate You

I’m sure there’s so much more to being a pastor. And maybe we do not fully appreciate their services to God’s plan for us throughout the other months.

So how exactly does one appreciate our pastors? For me, lots of prayer for their days, for God’s work, for patience, their families, mental health, and strength and fortitude and boldness to keep-on keeping-on.

On behalf of all New Hopers, a heartfelt “we appreciate you, pastors.” Keep on being amazing. I am hopeful we outwardly show our appreciation during other times of the year as well, just in case we don’t say so enough.

May the fullness of our gratefulness and gratitude and recognition pour exceedingly well— like the best and most aromatic wine at the wedding at Cana — into all the days of your lives.

With a tip of the hat and heartful thank you gentlemen,

Joe G

JoeG