Notes of Gratitude for Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month—a time to pause and recognize the incredible impact pastors have on their people. When we asked members of Tyndale House Publisher's Reader Rewards program, “What is one thing you appreciate about your pastor?” their answers painted a powerful picture.

They spoke of faithful preaching, genuine character, and the kind of care that shows up in both celebrations and sorrows. Again and again, themes of humility, presence, prayer, and Christlike love emerged. You can read a sample of their answers below.

So we rejoice in celebrating pastors—for teaching God’s Word with clarity, leading with integrity, and walking alongside your people in ways both seen and unseen. You are making an eternal difference. 

 

There isn't one thing but a few. I appreciate that he teaches the truth and doesn't sugarcoat the Word of God. He does it all in love. He explains things so that everyone can understand it. And he will often show pictures of things that go along with what he's teaching on. There's so much more and he's very approachable.
| Frances H.

 

My pastor in college took the time to get to know the young adults and disciple them.
| Yvetta V.

 

My pastor, who is also my father, is by far the most passionate follower of Christ who I have ever met. He walks the walk and practices what he preaches before he ever preaches it. He continually leads us into new and deeper truths in the Lord. He is truly a man after God's own heart who never settles for anything less than the Heart of Christ.
| Destiny F.

 

My pastor's personality! He is humble, kind, and funny, which makes it easier for people to talk to him. He's also unafraid of receiving feedback and loves to encourage others.
| Prescila A.

 

It's difficult to just name one thing! My Pastor is a caring person who is a true follower of Jesus. He shares the message of Jesus in his sermons and in his interactions with the congregation and the community. He is approachable and a good listener. We are thankful he is our Pastor.
| Jan G.

 

One thing I appreciate about my pastor is his dedication to the Word of God. He always shows us the answers in the Bible, taking time to teach us how to ask questions. And even though he is my pastor, he also has taught me that God will always be King. A pastor is just a shepherd for a small flock. Jesus is the one who reigns forever!
| Kelsey L.

 

My pastor studies preaches through books of the Bible, always keeping it grounded in context to really understand the original intent. And he finishes with questions to help us apply it to ourselves.
| Hannah C.

 

He is so well spoken and kind and has a great sense of humor. Our church is so lucky.
| Mike N.

He has a wonderful shepherd's heart. When my family went through a very difficult situation, he was compassionate and patient. He checks in on people and listens well to people.
| Kacey C.

 

That he teaches God's Word truthfully. He's honest about his own struggles and I appreciate the humility.
| Andrea J.

I appreciate that that he takes the time to pick me up from my home and bring him to church with him as i do not drive. It allows me to hear the word.
| Michael C.

 

Our pastor has such a passion for the lost. He's involved in many ministries in the community, and we have to caution him not to overextend himself. But he loves people so much!
| Ruth K.

 

He is so welcoming and loving towards the kids of the church and makes a special effort to say hello and ask how they are doing at the end of Church or pray over them at the end of Mass when he is walking out and when the families are all leaving.
| Maureen G.