October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  Stop for a minute and appreciate your Pastors here at FBC.  Being a pastor is not an easy job.  They are easy to criticize, easy to blame, and easy to take advantage of.  Too often, our expectations of our pastors go way beyond what any human being should be expected to do.  Too often, we think that he is just “my pastor” and forget that he is also the pastor of 1,000 other church members, in addition to pastoring all of the non-member regular attenders.

So today, I want to express my appreciation for all of our pastors here at FBC.  Let’s take a look at each of them individually.

• Pastor Osborne has been my pastor since I was 14 years old – over 20 years.  His impact on my life is impossible to measure.  When I think about Pastor Osborne, one thing I appreciate the most is his passion.  He is passionate about serving the Lord and serving FBC.  His excitement is contagious.
• I have been under Pastor Smith’s ministry even longer than I have been under Pastor Osborne.  Pastor Smith baptized me when I was 10 years old.  When I think about Pastor Smith, one thing I appreciate is his faithfulness.  No matter what has come into his life, Pastor Smith has remained faithful.  It continues to amaze me that he has served God faithfully at FBC since 1984.  There are few people alive today with a memory of FBC that does not include Pastor Smith.  His faithful legacy is something that I will always appreciate.
• Pastor Brock and I were hired by FBC in the same year (2003).  One thing I appreciate the most about Pastor Brock is his heart.  Our church staff likes to tease him because he cries so easily.  But, in reality, this is just evidence of his big heart for other people.  He cares for people.  He cares for their souls.
• I have not known Pastor Wamsley very long.  Since coming on staff in April, I have grown to appreciate him more and more.  I appreciate his work ethic.  Pastor Wamsley is not afraid of hard work or long hours.  He is often at the office early in the morning and stays until late in the afternoon.  He works hard to organize our Sunday School ministry, teaches various classes and discipleship groups, counsels various individuals, preaches when needed, serves as our financial secretary, and so much more.  I appreciate all of his hard work.
• Pastor Austin (aka Pastor GAS) always makes me laugh.  I appreciate his sense of humor.  He has been a wonderful addition to our staff as our youth pastor.  I enjoyed going on a trip with him in July.  He has been know to hide Jill Foster’s vacuum cleaner and even rearrange Pastor Brock’s office!  Austin has brought a fresh sense of joy and laughter to our weekly staff meetings.

In reality, all of these qualities are true of all of our pastors.  They are all passionate.  They are all faithful.  They all have big hearts.  They all work extremely hard.  They all are a joy to work alongside.  I appreciate each and every one of them.

Remember, these are not just ‘my’ pastors.  They are your pastors also.  They are not perfect.  But they are wonderful gifts from God to FBC.  Make sure that you take the time to thank them for their service to FBC.  Let them know that you love and appreciate them.

Happy Friday!

Stephen

PS – Pastor GAS = Pastor Gregory Austin Smith 🙂