Many pastors are discouraged, with 43 percent saying they have given serious consideration to leaving vocational ministry, according to national research by the Barna Group. The National Association of Evangelicals created the Bless Your Pastor campaign to help churches encourage their pastors.
Dwight Widaman, Metro Voice Editor
“Pastors spend long hours caring for the spiritual needs of people in their congregations and leading vital service ministries in their communities,” said Brian Kluth, national spokesperson for NAE Financial Health and Bless Your Pastor. “Many also face financial stress and challenges. The work can be both exhilarating and exhausting. This effort is all about encouraging and blessing pastors.”
The Bless Your Pastor program encourages, equips and empowers Christians and churches to prepare for October Pastor Appreciation Month. Since 2019, more than 2,500 churches have participated, raising $1.6 million in appreciation offerings. In addition, the NAE has sent $600,000 in grant-funded gift cards to senior pastors at participating churches.
Took Kit for Ideas to Bless Your Pastor
Kluth will travel to more than 50 western cities on a Bless Your Pastor Tour to encourage pastors and church staff. He will visit local radio and TV stations to provide Bless Your Pastor materials give interviews and will hold local events that offer grant-funded training materials and appreciation dinners to bless area pastors and leaders.
“This year we’re excited to offer marriage retreats and family vacations to Christian camps throughout the United States for pastor families, in addition to $200 gift cards for senior pastors of newly participating churches,” he said.
Kluth has worked with financial health and generosity for more than 35 years, written several books and resources, and is a frequent media guest. Kluth learned that God has many ways to care for pastors through their congregation when his first wife went through an eight-year cancer journey. This experience inspired him to write the list of “50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor and Staff” and to help lead this movement.
More information is available at www.blessyourpastor.org.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice