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Oct. 11 is Clergy Appreciation Day. To celebrate, we’ve spent the past week asking our social media followers to share stories and appreciation for the rostered ministers in their lives. Here are some of our favorite responses.
What do you love about your pastor/deacon?
“Our pastor, Katie Rode, has excellent, well-crafted sermons that address the key scriptural points and what is going on with the congregation. She also demonstrates self-differentiation in her leadership and spreads the leadership and the credit.” —Donna M.W., First English Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas
“Her regard for all of us and her willingness to go the extra mile as a part-time pastor. Pastor Melissa has biblical knowledge, humor and caring. We are very blessed to be her congregation.” —Gull Harbor Lutheran Church, Olympia, Wash.
“From my son: He’s chill. He knows the young kid slang and he’s kept up with the generations.” —Amy H.
“Pastor Rudy Salazar at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church [in Seguin, Texas] is a wonderfully kind human being that cares for others and connects with all. His stories of his lived experiences connect our lives to the word of God.” —Sarah K.
“Truly embodies the statement ‘ALL are welcome.’ Was so blessed from day one at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Iowa, almost four years ago.” —Pam H. P.
“Thanks be to God for our awesome spiritual pastor, Scott McAnally, at Lutheran Church of Hope in Broomfield, Colo.! We are all filled with God’s word every Sunday and leave fulfilled as stewards and God’s hands in our community. We are also blessed to have Pastor Randy Pabst as our teaching pastor! We love them both and are truly blessed!!” —Vaneta B.
“Our pastor, Stephanie Pope, has helped me find my way back from being lost. Thank you, Pastor Stephanie for being at my side when I need you most.” —Lisa M.
“I love both of our pastors—Pastor Giselle and Andy Jones. They are welcoming, listeners, care dearly about our members, and are not afraid to take a stand on justice issues.” —Laura N. S.
“We are blessed to have Rev. Dr. Evangeline Anderson-Rajkumar as our pastor at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Olean [in Versailles, Ind.]. I believe she has truly been called by God to be a part of our church family and our community. She visits, calls, texts, listens, and prays with us. We love our pastor!” —Cheryll O.
How has pastoral care made a difference in your life?
“I was thankful for visits from my home church when in hospital, and for their prayer shawl ministry. Both were a big part in acute care and long-term care stages. I appreciated the offerings of local chaplains and hospital chapels being available, but certainly having my faith family reach out in real time was of considerable benefit.” —Yolanda Y.
“Through several hard life events, my pastor has always been present.” —Ese D. R.
“I am grateful for my pastors past and present. Their visits through the years have helped me feel like a part of the church even though I may no longer attend in person (I’m homebound). Having communion from a pastor is very important to me, so receiving it each month soothes my soul.” —Valerie S.
“As a trans man, finding an affirming ELCA congregation—Holy Trinity Lutheran, Chapel Hill, N.C.—has changed my life in ways I’m still discovering. For a long time, I wondered whether I could truly be accepted in a church—or whether I would always have to choose between my faith and my identity. Through the care of Pastor Will, Pastor Katie and Deacon Holly, I’ve learned that I don’t have to choose.
Their pastoral care has meant honoring my name and pronouns, listening to my story with compassion, standing with me through difficult moments, and reminding me that I am beloved by God exactly as I am. Their presence and support have helped heal wounds left by rejection and have given me the courage to show up as my whole self.
Being part of an ELCA church committed to Reconciling in Christ has given me more than a place to worship. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has become a spiritual home—a community where I am not merely tolerated but welcomed, valued and celebrated. I am deeply grateful to Pastor Will, Pastor Katie and Deacon Holly for embodying God’s wide and unconditional love and for showing me what truly affirming pastoral care looks like.” —Devin S. G.
“My biggest regret in life was not taking my children to church/Sunday school. After a 50-year absence, God led me back to find a wonderful church with a pastor who has been great at appealing to young families. I don’t have to fear my church will ‘age out of existence’ as have those of some of my friends. Thanks, Pastor Colin!” —Jeri R.
“How different my experience of pastoral care has been since joining the ELCA! Our wonderful pastors have led by example and absolutely embody the compassion of Christ by showing interest, joining community projects, hospital visits and more. A now-retired pastor met my teenaged son at Arby’s for lunch, wrote to me after I’d moved, and participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at the conclusion of my treatments.” —Catherine A.
“There have been many pastors who have touched my life. Since I don’t want to neglect naming anyone: I’m thankful to each and every one of you for valuable life and spiritual lessons. ‘Well done thy good and faithful servant.’” —Deb S.
“I have always felt very close to my pastors and am thankful for their spiritual leadership. I am definitely grateful that our pastors show respect by wearing their robes.” —Darlene K. T.
Rostered ministers: What is the favorite part about your job?
“Getting to walk with folks in their greatest joys and deepest sadness. It is holy ground that we are invited into, and for that I am humbled and grateful.” —Jonathan B.
“Those moments when I see things click for people. Like when someone feels seen or forgiven or finally hopeful again.” —James S.
“The people! The people! The people!” —Per H.
“What about synod-authorized ministers who are often placed in smaller congregations that refuse to form a parish with other congregations. In many ways, they are preaching and presiding, attending council meetings, visiting the ill and officiating at funerals. They may not attend seminary, but many of them are as much pastors as a MDiv or deacon. What is a pastor? The word comes from the Latin word for shepherd or herdsman. They (SAMs) are on the frontline too.” —Deb S.
“Getting to do two children’s churches every Thursday with the nursery school classes. To look at those wide-open faces and being able to welcome them into a sacred space and let them be themselves is so rewarding for my heart and soul.” —Melissa M. B.
“Helping the Spirit open the eyes, minds and hearts to the unlimited love and grace God offers them.” —Lou H.
“Believing that what I do matters.” —David H.
“By far the most moving and transformational experience has been presiding at Easter services in one or two of the four churches I serve, then going to the local maximum security facility (jail) and declaring the same ‘Alleluia’ in a cinder block cell with barred windows and doors, then to the local nursing home to preside yet again among our elders, many senile and/or in pain. To proclaim ‘Alleluia’ in each of these settings, to announce ‘He is Risen’ to people in such diverse situations is the most profound experience of Resurrection.” —Jacqueline J.
“I love leading worship, preaching the gospel and teaching the faith.” —Gary Andrew Bruce W.
“Getting to lead along with people.” —Marie K.-Q.
“Giving the sacraments is always a highlight for me. I love to see God show up in the sacraments, and how uniquely meaningful it is to folks who receive it.” —Calvin K.
