The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Timothy 5:17 CSB
Being a pastor is one of the toughest things that a person can be called to do… rewarding but at times, tough. I have had the privilege of serving the Lord and His church in a pastoral role since 1998. I know beyond the shadow of any doubt that this is what I am supposed to do – preach the Word and lead God’s people.
As October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation Month, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show a little appreciation to some of the pastors that God has/is using in my life and the life of my family. When a man is in the trenches of ministry, appreciation is not always easily found. I certainly would not want these men of God to go through this month without knowing that I am forever grateful for them.
I would have to start with the man that I will always consider as my first pastor, Joey Savell. Joey has been in ministry since 1974. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Pineview Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama.
It was under the ministry of Joey that I was first discipled in the Lord. Though we came from very different sides of the tracks, Joey saw something within me that was worth taking under his wing and pouring into. This man has been in my corner since the beginning of my ministry journey. I will forever be grateful to this man for the passion that he has for Jesus and people coming to know Him in a real and personal way.
The next pastor that I would like to show my appreciation to is Dr. Stan Lewis. I was first introduced to Dr. Lewis as a seminary professor while I was working on my MDiv through NOBTS. He was a great teacher in the classroom, but I would soon find out that there was much more to this man.
Dr. Lewis brought me to FBC Birmingham, Alabama as a Pastor of Student Ministry at a time when I was really struggling. He was very open and honest that the position would not be easy as the church had been through the wringer prior to both of our arrivals. He helped me to see what patience in ministry looks like. It was also this man that God used to steer my ministry course from student ministry towards being a Lead Pastor. His encouragement and friendship have been something that I have cherished since we met.
The next pastor I would like to show some appreciation to is Brad Kerr. Brad serves on the pastoral staff team at FBC Fulton alongside me. He oversees the music ministry, children’s ministry, and so much more.
Brad has a passion for Christ like few that I have met before. This guy really wants to do all things for the glory of His Lord, Jesus. His passion to lead his family to be disciple-making disciples is so encouraging. It was Brad and his family that took us in when we first moved to Fulton and a “Snowmageddon” came our way on our first weekend.
The final pastor that I would like to express appreciation to in this post is the one and only, Ben Clay. Ben serves as the Associate Pastor of Students and Outreach at FBC Fulton alongside me. Ben has a passion for people (especially students) to know the Lord. He is a hard-worker and faithful in the preaching of God’s Word whether it is with students or in the pulpit on a Sunday morning. I am very honored to call this guy a teammate in ministry here in Fulton. I appreciate his quirky humor and the passion for people to know the Lord in a personal way that he brings to the table.
If the Lord has blessed you with some faithful pastors, then I would strongly encourage you to take the time to show your appreciation. It might be a little note, but gift cards and gifts are also nice – just saying. The ones that God calls out and who serve faithfully are definitely worthy of double honor. I would also encourage you to not just express your appreciation once a year. You may never know how much of a blessing a simple “thank you for what you do” might be throughout the year.
