Pastor Appreciation Month

This week we have a Dearly Beloved guest post from Clair Farnell of our Leadership Council.

Dearly Beloved
 

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13  NIV   “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”

Appreciation is something that is always in style, no matter the day, month, or season!  Since 1992 October has been considered Pastor Appreciation month in the church calendar.  There isn’t enough room to write all that our Pastors are involved in, but read on and find a small glimpse of the areas of responsibility they have in working hard among us…  

Pastors Mike and Laura are the Lead Pastors here at Comox Pentecostal Church.  Together they shepherd the flock, prayerfully giving direction and overseeing the many ministries we have as well as being fully involved in the life of the church and community.  Laura’s gifts in music bring worship to another level, encouraging us all to praise the Lord with our whole hearts.  Mike’s gift of teaching, opening up Scripture, and making it understandable and applicable to our daily lives, challenges us to dig deep for ourselves. Both Mike and Laura are approachable and available, continually reminding us to live missionally in our neighbourhoods and community. 

Pastor Lorne (Heather) is the Executive Pastor.  Many things in the life of the church community need to be attended to with wisdom and experience.  Visitation, the maintenance of the building, gathering information, and reviewing protocols and procedures are all part of Lorne’s responsibilities in the church life together. He also gives an amazing sermon, encouraging us all in our journeys with a true Shepherd’s heart.   

Pastor Clay (Chantiel) is the Youth Pastor.  With a junior and a senior youth group to give leadership to, he also has a group of volunteers to oversee and coordinate.  Over 100 young people participate in these youth events.  Clay’s honest heart, youthful enthusiasm, and love of God’s Word when he preaches makes us love him all the more. 

And soon to be with us, in the middle of November, Pastor Garrett (along with Abi and Charlie).  On Thanksgiving Sunday Garrett gave us a taste of what is to come and we were blessed!  Though young in age (and very tall), his rich Christian heritage gives him much wisdom to draw on in his new role here at CPC as Children and Families Pastor.    

What a team!  What a gift we have been given in this amazing group of people.  They are people who need our love, our prayers, and our support just as much as we need theirs.   Above all, they are God’s choice to care for us in the Lord here at Comox Pentecostal Church.    October is not the only time to show our love and support for them through our words of appreciation and with our prayers, let's take opportunities to do it all year long! 

With a thankful, grateful heart,

Clair Farnell 

Leadership Council