{"id":27811,"date":"2026-09-22T16:53:06","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=27811"},"modified":"2026-09-22T16:53:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:53:06","slug":"how-will-we-celebrate-pastors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2026\/how-will-we-celebrate-pastors\/","title":{"rendered":"How will we celebrate our pastors?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A participant at a Church of the Brethren Clergywomen’s Retreat. Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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A letter from the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the early 1990s, October has been recognized globally as Pastor Appreciation Month<\/a>, with the second Sunday set aside as Pastor Appreciation Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our pastors care for us through life\u2019s most significant moments. Their work goes far beyond Sunday sermons\u2014involving hospital visits, counseling, administrative leadership, and late-night emergency calls. Because much of this labor happens behind the scenes and requires strict confidentiality, ministry can often be isolating, impacting both pastors and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honor and rest are directly tied to long-term sustainability. Scripture calls us to actively value those who shepherd us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.\u201d<\/em> \u20141 Timothy 5:17<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you… Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.\u201d<\/em> \u20141 Thessalonians 5:12\u201313<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October gives us a dedicated opportunity to pour back into those who pour into us. Here are a few practical ways you and your family can show gratitude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n