If you are reading this article, you probably have a pastor. How can you express your appreciation to him for all he does to shepherd God’s flock? Let me offer two suggestions.
First, consider sending your pastor and his wife to Shepherding 2017. Registration is now open for this event at www.kybaptist.org/shepherding. The Kentucky Baptist Convention and Baptist Health hope that Shepherding 2017 will bring a time of godly refreshment to ministry couples.
As in the past, we desire to bring couples together in a relaxed setting where they can experience renewal, strengthen relationships, and encounter God in worship. The conference begins Thursday, Jan. 26, and concludes Saturday, Jan. 28. Space is limited. Register early to ensure availability. The registration fee covers only a portion of the costs associated with this event. As a means of joining you in blessing and encouraging our ministers, the remaining cost is provided by Baptist Health and by Kentucky Baptists’ gifts through the Cooperative Program.
Second, Steve Rice and I will be hosting a Holy Land tour March 14-23, 2017, for any Kentucky Baptist who would like to join us. The tour would be a great learning opportunity for anyone but especially for pastors. Churches may want to consider sending their pastor or at least assisting him with the trip. The estimated total price is $3,869 per person from Louisville, Ky. A $300 deposit (paid to Jerusalem Tours) will reserve your place.
Included in the estimated price are: flights, hotels, touring, breakfast and dinner daily, four lunches, tips, airport taxes and fuel charges (subject to change by the airline). Not included in the estimated price are: optional travel insurance ($292), meals not noted in the itinerary, drinks and items of a personal nature. For more information, contact Stephen Rice, KBC Church Consulting & Revitalization Team leader, at (502) 489-3434 or steve.rice@kybaptist.org, or call Jerusalem Tours at (888) 373-8687.
God has blessed us with faithful, fearless men who love the Lord Jesus and His church. Whether the above opportunities work for you and/or your pastor, I trust you will find a way to express your appreciation for the man of God who spends his life preaching the gospel to you and your family, praying for you and your family, serving you and your family, and loving you and your family.
Serving as a pastor is a high and holy calling and those who serve well are worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17). Let us thank God for our pastors!
Paul Chitwood