October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Have you hugged your preacher today? Pastors carry more weight on their shoulders than most will ever know. Ministry can be hard & lonely; let your pastor know he’s loved and appreciated!

Thank you, Pastor Rob Lindley! We appreciate all you do!

(reprinted from Bible Studies for Life)
Dear pastor,

We see you. We see you preaching. We see you teaching. We see you leading and making disciples.

We’ve also seen you sweeping. And setting up chairs. Cleaning bathrooms, and printing off flyers. You’ve been knocking on doors, organizing volunteers, and pouring yourself out in a million different ways to make Sunday—and every day—happen.

It’s hard work, but you love it. You were made for it. And we’re grateful.

We know that without you and the work you’re doing, the community you are serving would look very different. We know that you push through the exhaustion and lift up the people around you who help pull off everything your church does. We know that you don’t just work on Sundays, that this is a calling, and we are so grateful for you.

15 ways to pray for your pastor

[story on UMC.org]
The life of a United Methodist pastor (or any other pastor) is filled with a variety of responsibilities. They preach, teach, visit, counsel, lead, consult, communicate, budget, clean, and so much more.

Pastoring a church is not a job that can be done well under the pastor’s power alone. Every pastor relies heavily on God’s guidance, strength and peace as they live into their call.

One of the best ways we can support our pastors and show them our appreciation is to regularly pray for them. But it can be difficult to know exactly what we should pray for. To help get started, we’ve assembled fifteen areas of pastors’ lives and ministries where they would value your prayers.

1. Spiritual lives
Our pastors’ spiritual lives are important to their finding the wisdom, strength and guidance necessary to lead a church. Pray for your pastors’ growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit works through them to serve your congregation and community.

2. Time management
With all of their responsibilities, United Methodist pastors need to become masters of their calendars. John Wesley knew this back in the 1700s. He instructed the preachers, “Never trifle away time.” Pray for your pastors to use time wisely, including blocking out occasions for Sabbath rest, prayer, work and family.

3. Families
Speaking of families, it is important to remember that our ministers may also be a spouse, a parent, and a child to parents who have needs. Remember to pray for your pastor’s family.

4. Preaching
Delivering a great sermon (and the ones that are less than great) takes hours of study and preparation. Pray for your pastors as they prepare worship services, sacraments and sermons. May they have the words to communicate what God has placed on their hearts.

5. Strength
The work of a pastor requires reserves of spiritual and emotional strength. Ask God to bolster ministers’ hearts and minds, especially on days when they feel weak, inadequate, or unqualified.

6. Visiting ministries
Visiting people in hospital rooms, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, memory centers, hospice units, homes and jail cells, is an important part of your pastor’s job. Pray for her or his ability to connect with those who are struggling and to share God’s comfort, peace and hope.

7. Leadership
Pastors shepherd their congregations, lead individuals to Christ and guide the church as a witness to the work of God in our communities. Pray for your pastor’s ability to lead your congregation.

8. Decision-making
Being a leader includes making difficult decisions. Sometimes that means making a call when the “right answer” is elusive. Other times it is about making an unpopular choice. Pray for God to guide your pastor’s decisions.

9. Ministry with the poor
Pastors are called upon to help those who do not have enough food, rent money, or the ability to pay a utility bill. They also lead their congregations to do the same. Pray that your pastor has the wisdom and resources necessary to help those in need, and that he or she might represent Jesus well to those who feel forgotten.

10. Communication
We’ve all sent a note, email or text that is misunderstood by the recipient. Ministers reach out to so many people, miscommunication is nearly impossible to avoid. Ask God to make your pastor’s communication clear and for grace when he or she is misunderstood.

11. Conflict
Conflicts sometimes arise when people miscommunicate and disagree. Some conflicts are serious, while others are petty. Pray for your pastors’ strength, wisdom, patience and discernment as they navigate the conflicts that arise.

12. Vision
United Methodist pastors help set the vison for their congregations. Pray that your pastor may clearly see where God is leading your church and for opportunities for ministries to grow in those areas.

13. Finances
Money worries can be a big distraction. Pray for financial peace for your pastor, both with the congregation’s budget and his or her family finances.

14. Health
Your pastor’s physical health is important. Pray for them to take time to care for their bodies through rest, exercise, and eating well.

15. Encouragement
Pray for your pastors to be encouraged today. Pray that they might know in their hearts the differences they make in the lives of individuals, in your congregation, and in your community.

You can be an answer to prayer when you encourage your ministers. Write a note, text or email to let them know what a difference they make in your life. They will surely appreciate it.


– Did you know that Oakwood has the longest continually operating preschool in Lubbock, Texas? http://oakwoodmethodist.org/preschool/
– Oakwood United Methodist Preschool, Lubbock Texas. (2215 58th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79412 [Google Maps link])
– Follow the Preschool on Instagram
– Sunday Church Service @ 10:30am.
– Our Church Sunday Schools are now opened back up (come study @ 9:15am).
– We re-opened our Thursday Morning Prayer Group (TMPG) Hour of Power @ 6:30am.
– Live (Sunday Church Service) on Facebook Live