Pastor Appreciation Day

Pastor Appreciation Day
Pastor Robert L. Thomas, Jr.

This Sunday, Berith celebrated its 5th Annual “Pastor Appreciation Day.” In honor of his tireless contributions, Pastor Rick was able to enjoy his special day from his seat, and enjoyed the message delivered by associate pastor “Pastor Bob” of Vine Life Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California.

If you’ve never heard Pastor Bob teach before, you have missed an engaging, enlightening, and very lively delivery of God’s Word. How to explain? For starters, Pastor Bob set the tone of his message through music; referencing both Beyonce and Fred Hammond!

Fun aside, Pastor Bob was there to remind the congregation of the awesome ministry gift the city of Oakland, and Berith Christian Fellowship in particular, has in its midst. We’re to remember that celebrating our Pastor isn’t just a one-day occasion. Receiving a precious gift should not be taken for granted, nor is a gift defined only as something tangible with monetary value. Every day we are alive is a gift, but we must remember that each day brings its own set of challenges. We are also to realize that we are in spiritual warfare here in the natural. John 10:10 advises us that the enemy is here only to kill and destroy.

Pastor Bob posed an intriguing question. Why is it that most people agree with the special reverence the pope receives as ministry gift, but disagree with extending that same level of reverence to any other ministry gift? Why is our Pastor any different? Pastor Rick loves each and every one of his sheep, and has laid his life bare for all of us.

So, the question is, how can you take your reverence a little higher for your ministry gift? Pastor Bob offered a few ways:

*Show up. Mentally and physically. Show your beautiful face! Attend service regularly; come out for the events hosted by the church and bring a friend!
*Sow your time. Become involved in the ministry (1 Timothy 5-17).
*Remember Pastor Rick loves you. As the overshepherd, Pastor Rick has accountability for each and every one of us. Our Pastor has dedicated our children, blessed our families and interceded for us when we were sick or in trial. Remember that Pastor Rick needs our encouragement, too.