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PROGRAMGUIDE

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Living the Word With Our PastorThe theme, Living the Word, was chosen to blend with the focus of the Church of God set forth at the 2012 General Assembly:

Living the Word: Empowered for Our Future

As the local congregation comes together in living God’s Word with their pastor, there will be an empowerment for the future—full operation of the gifts of the Spirit, a flowing force of unity, and maximum outreach effectiveness.

This year’s Pastor Appreciation emphasis will also undergird the biblical position of the pastor and the role of the people as partners in ministry with him. Pastor Appreciation will achieve seven goals: 1. HONOR. The position of the pastor as commissioned by God to guide the congregation in fulfilling the mission of the local church is honored. 2. RESPECT. The scriptural role and responsibilities of the pastor are highlighted. This results in respect and loyalty. 3. UNITY. The entire church is brought together in one accord to embrace God’s pattern of living His Word in harmony as a united body of believers. 4. IMAGE. As people in the community/city witness the togetherness of the people with their pastor, the image of the church is elevated and a strong bond of trust is established. 5. TRAINING. Through the activities of Pastor Appreciation, children and youth are taught God’s operational plan for the local church and how they are a vital part of the plan. 6. FOCUS. The church family is led to focus on what can take place in praise and worship when there is a clear vision and binding loyalty in the partnership ministry with their pastor. 7. GROWTH. It is God’s will for the church family to grow in discipleship maturity and in reaching the unchurched. Living the Word with the pastor is the pathway that leads to experiencing the abundant blessings of living God’s will and the flow of grace in the congregation.

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Evaluating the Climate for Pastor Appreciation

Several different formats and activities for Pastor Appreciation will be set forth. The key to an influential program is to personalize the concepts and suggestions. In planning for Pastor Appreciation, look at the following variables:

•Thesizeofthecongregation •Thelengthofthepastor’stenure •Theappreciationactivitiesthathavetakenplaceinthepast •Theavailabilityoffinancialresources •Thepromotionofotherchurchactivitiesandevents •Themoodandvisionofthecongregation

All of these items should be considered in the planning process. The response to these items will determine the scope of Pastor Appreciation:

•Sundaymorningappreciationprogram •Activitiesduringtheweekformen,women,andyouth •Churchwidefamilyappreciationevent •Specialgiftsduringtheweekforthepastor’sfamily •Expressionsofappreciation—gifts,trips,treats,financial support

Personalize Pastor Appreciation

In response to the evaluation questions, personalize a Pastor Appreciation event that will reap maximum benefits for the local congregation. A number of ideas will be outlined to consider. The key is to identify those that appeal to you and personalize them to fit the character of your church.

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Preparation for Pastor Appreciation

1. Begin preparation early. This will ensure maximum participation and effectiveness. 2. Appoint a planning team. Include as many people as possible. 3. Decide on functions that will be sponsored. Prepare an accountability checklist. 4. Contact special guests, friends, and relatives of your pastor. Provide them with details about the program. 5. Arrange for special gifts, activities, and meal functions. Make contacts and assignments. 6. Outline the Sunday morning worship service and other events. Be thorough in preparation. 7. Appoint a prayer team. Surround the event with prayer for God’s special blessings.

Highlight the Theme—Living the Word

In essence, Pastor Appreciation will serve a twofold purpose:(1) to honor the pastor, and (2) to illuminate ways to live the Word.

The theme, Living the Word, should be central in focus. The pastor is a man by the Word, and the people are church members who live by the Word.

By emphasizing both of these principles, the local church will grow stronger in unity and harmony with their pastor and with each other. There will be a glow and a release of energy that will impact every avenue of the ministry of the church—discipleship, stewardship, relationships. Seven ways to highlight the theme: 1. Pulpit announcements 2. Church bulletin ads and inserts 3. Classroom posters 4. Banner in foyer of the church 5. Sign on church lawn 6. Imprinted items 7. Bible marker

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Honor the Pastor The local planning team can select and develop an impressive Pastor Appreciation emphasis from the following list of ideas. Support material is featured in the Resource Section.

1. Pastor Appreciation Sunday Morning Service. The service can include: testimonies, a responsive reading, presentation of citations and proclamations, special guests, gifts, financial offering, a guest speaker.

2. Churchwide Celebration Night. The program for the entire family could include: a meal, skits, drama, presentation of gifts, honor, testimonies, pictorial displays, video, speaker, and sharing of stories.

3. Men’s Saturday Morning Breakfast. Include: prayer for the pastor, statements of support and appreciation, expressions of appreciations, and statements of commitment.

4. Ladies Appreciation Tea for the Pastor’s Wife. Include: colorful decoration, expressions of love, appreciation readings, pledges of loyalty, and gifts.

5. Special Activities for the Pastor’s Children. Suggestions: pizza party, picnic, outdoor event, hot dog cookout, crazy gifts.

6. Daily Gifts for the Pastor’s Family. Include: a special gift sent to the pastor’s home each day for five days: flowers, candy, cake, pizza, a complete meal.

7. Presentation of Gifts. Consider: vacation package, recreation or spa passes, parsonage or home improvements, gift certificate for clothing or special purchase.

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Illuminate Ways to Live the Word As stated earlier, Pastor Appreciation this year has a twofold focus—“Honor the Pastor” and “Illuminate Ways to Live the Word.” In principle, both avenues will honor the pastor. Promotions to consider:

1. Plan a Bible Read-A-Thon. Make assignments where the Bible is being read continuously by individuals over a three-day period.

2. Involve Children. Lead children in memorizing the Ten Commandments and the “Be-attitudes.” Teach them the value of reading and living God’s Word.

3. Challenge Young People. Develop methods to guide the youth of the church in reading the Bible, memorizing Bible verses, and having the Bible as a companion in church services and youth meetings.

4. Bible Identification. Challenge church members to bring their Bibles to every worship service.

5. Read the Entire Bible Challenge. Challenge church members to begin a schedule to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in one year. Introduce the book Living the Word Today (order from Pathway Press).

6. Home Bible-Study Groups.Encouragememberstobeginorto take part in a home Bible-study group.

7. Prepare Youth for Teen Talent. Organize the teens of the church to participate in the Bible division of Teen Talent.

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Surround Pastor Appreciation With Prayer Pastor Appreciation is a spiritual event. It is designed to bring the people of the local church together with their pastor to embrace God’s mission with faith, fortitude, and the expectation of scriptural fruit. This is why it is important to surround everything that is done with prayer.

The following ideas will serve as a springboard to set forth a solid structure for prayer support:

1. Enlist a prayer leader. 2. Develop a prayer team. 3. Sponsor an evening of prayer for the pastor. 4. Form a 24-hour prayer chain. 5. Set forth a family week of prayer for the pastor. 6. Organize a prayer time for the youth of the church. 7. Feature a Sunday evening of prayer for the pastor, church families, and the growth of the church.

Plan for Outreach Advertising As the name implies, Pastor Appreciation is a time to honor the pastor. In addition, it is a time to enhance the image of the church in the community/city.

Pastor Appreciation reflects the values of church members, the mission of the church, and the caring spirit of the church. Use the following ways to advertise Pastor Appreciation and to build a strong church image:

1. Newspaper ad. Secure sponsors and feature a full-page ad. 2. Radio. Many stations provide announcements without charge. 3. Direct mail. Use mail contacts as a way to advertise Pastor Appreciation and the mission of the local church. 4. Posters. Display posters in key locations in the community. 5. Email messages. Prepare regular messages to share information about Pastor Appreciation activities.

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6. Blogging and tweeting. Devise ways to get members involved in these two avenues of communication. 7. Telephone messages. Organize a team to call members and friends and share data about Pastor Appreciation activities.

Pastor Appreciation Checklist ______ Planning and promotion of team responsibilities ______ Sunday morning service ______ Special family-night celebration ______ Contacts and advertising ______ Involvement of men, women, youth, and children ______ Meal functions and arrangements ______ Special gifts and assignments

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Resource Section This section contains material that can be used in creating a personalized Pastor Appreciation program for your church.

1. A Pledge to Our Pastor—Living the Word 2. Living the Word With Our Pastor—Responsive Reading 3. My Personal Sevenfold Promise—To Live the Word 4. A Guide to Living the Word With Your Pastor 5. Sermon Outline—Prove Yourselves Doers of the Word 6. 10 “Be” Principles for Power Ministry With Your Pastor 7. Pastor—We Are Thankful for You 8. Prayer for the Pastor 9. The Price Paid by Pastors 10. Bless My Pastor Today

A PLEDGE TO OUR PASTORLiving the Word Together

Understanding that God speaks to us, guides us, and empowers us to live His Word in our daily life and to unite with you, our pastor, in the scriptural ministries of our church; WE PLEDGE:

TO HONOR your biblical position and your calling as our pastor, ordained by God to proclaim His Word, to seek His guidance in fulfilling the mission of our church, and to depend on His authority to lead us with a compassionate and compelling vision.

TO PRAY for God’s anointing on your ministerial duties—which include preaching, guiding, encouraging, training, and disciplining.

TO EMBRACE wholeheartedly your vision for leading us in God-honoring worship, growing in Christlikeness, and in developing a lifestyle of total stewardship in the strength of the Holy Spirit.

TO PROVIDE for your needs and the needs of your family,

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assuring you of financial stability, sufficient time for privacy and rest, and biblical trust that fosters harmony and security. TO STAND courageously and scripturally with you in facing challenges that would weaken congregational unity or limit the influence of our church in the community.

Living the Word With Our PastorResponsive Reading

Leader: It is God’s will for us to unite with our pastor in Living the Word both in precept and in practice.

Congregation: In love and loyalty we will obediently embrace God’s will.

Leader: As we live God’s Word as a church family, there will be harmony in mission and in the ministries of our church.

Congregation: We will stand together on Holy Scripture and experience the glorious grace of God’s guidance.

Leader: God’s Word will enrich family life and will equip children and youth to become mature followers of Christ.

Congregation: Living the Word as parents in the home will be a daily priority.

Leader: Serving as a witness of living a life founded on God’s Word will influence friends and neighbors.

Congregation: Today, as individual church members, we pledge to live God’s Word according to His will and together, with our pastor, reap the abundant fruit of a Scripture-based lifestyle.

Together with our pastor we will live the Word!

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My Personal Sevenfold Promiseto Live the Word

1. To read the Word systematically. 2. To internalize the message of the Word. 3. To practice the commands of the Word. 4. To embrace the authority of the Word. 5. To advance the instructions of the Word. 6. To stand on the promises of the Word. 7. To defend the reliability of the Word.

A Guide to Living the Word With Your Pastor

1. Honor his calling. 2. Consider his responsibilities. 3. Surround him with prayer. 4. Worship with him. 5. Personalize his sermons. 6. Join him in ministry. 7. Respect his family. 8. Grow in grace with him.

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Sermon Outline

Prove Yourselves Doers of the WordScripture: “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude [deceive] themselves” (James 1:22 NASB).

Introduction The Book of James deals with everyday Christian living. He says, “Faith without works is dead” (2:20 NKJV). Faith enables a believer to live the Word. This sermon sets forth principles from the Book of James that will guide believers in living the Word.

Discuss how these principles apply to living the Word with the pastor.

Chapter 1 1. If any of you lacks wisdom (v. 5). 2.Everygoodgiftisfromabove(v.17). 3. Be doers of the Word (v. 22). 4. Pure and undefiled religion (v. 27)

Chapter 2 1. Do not hold faith with partiality (v. 1). 2. Faith without works is dead (v. 20). 3. Be a friend of God (v. 23).

Chapter 3 Seek wisdom from above (v. 17): •Pure •Peaceable •Gentle •Merciful

Chapter 4 1. Submit to God (v. 7). 2. Resist the devil (v. 7). 3. Draw near to God (v. 8). 4. Do not speak evil (v. 11).

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Chapter 5 1. Be patient (v. 7). 2. Do not grumble (v. 9). 3. Pray for the sick (v. 14). 4. Pray for one another (v. 16).

Summary You prove yourself, and live the Word as you embrace the principles set forth by James. In conclusion, I want to read a personal pledge titled “My 7-Point Pledge to Support My Pastor.”

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My 7-Point Pledgeto Support My Pastor

The Bible tells us that the devil, the enemy of the church and my pastor, “has come to steal, kill, and destroy [loyalty]” (see John 10:10)—to kill the influence of the church, steal the joy of church unity, and to destroy loyalty and teamwork with my pastor. In order to stand against the devil and stand with my pastor, I pledge . . .

1. To PRAY for my pastor—in daily intercession for his spiritual influence, physical health, and personal/family well-being.

2. To PRAISE God with my pastor—in Spirit-inspired worship, with an open heart and mind, and with raised hands.

3. To PARTNER God with my pastor—in viewing the mission of the church, maintaining core values, and achieving value-based victories.

4. To PRACTICE stewardship with my pastor—in cheerful giving of finances, sacrificial giving of time, and witnessing as a lifestyle.

5. To PARTICIPATE with my pastor—in projects that build relationships, address social concerns, and advancing Christian education.

6. To PERFORM ministry with my pastor—in enlisting and training volunteers, reaching the unchurched, and advancing Christian education programs.

7. To PROMOTE respect for my pastor—in his God-appointed leadership role and to spearhead activities to show affirmation and appreciation for him.

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10 “BE” Principles for Power Ministry With Your Pastor

In 2 Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy on how to be an ambassador for Christ and how to lead others in faithful service. Read the four chapters, underline the principles set forth, and apply them to your life.

1. BE thankful for your rich heritage, gifts, and friends (1:3-6). 2. BE bold in testimony of not being ashamed to be identified with Christ, His church, and the gospel (vv. 8-11). 3. BE loyal to doctrine, sound teaching, and assisting Christian workers (vv. 13-16). 4. BE strong in grace, willing to suffer and to perform hard work (2:1-9). 5. BE diligent as an approved worker, flee unlawful passions, and be gentle to everyone (vv. 14-26). 6. BE prepared for difficult times; be aware of unholy people and avoid them (3:1-9). 7. BE mindful of people who are examples of righteous living, embrace their teachings, and keep close to sacred Scripture (vv. 10-17). 8. BE persistent in proclaiming the message, keep a clear head, and fulfill your ministry (4:1-5). 9. BE ready for full service, engage in the good fight of faith, and look forward to the crown of righteousness (vv. 6-8). 10. BE complimentary of church workers, honor them, and wish grace for them (vv. 9-22).

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PastorPastor . . .

WE are thankful for you.

WE honor and respect you.

WE are blessed by you:

Inspired by your example of total commitment

Advanced in biblical knowledge from your teaching

Matured as devoted disciples under your guidance

Encouraged by your warm life-related sermons

Nurtured by your sincere, consistent, caring attitude

Stabilized by the support ministries you provide

Uplifted by the way you guide us in worship

“We give thanks to God always for you” (1 Thess. 1:2).

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PRAYER FOR THE PASTOR

Lord, we thank You for our pastor.

He is a shepherd and a friend. By Your Spirit he has taught us the meaning of faith, optimism, courage, and kindness.

He has modeled Your love and has created a climate for us to grow stronger in discernment, in spiritual discipline, and in ministry to others.

Through preaching and teaching, he has opened new horizons that have expanded our potential for a fuller Christian life.

Now, we ask You to let Your love and divine energy continue to flow through him in increased dimensions to us.

Bless him and his family. Keep them healthy, strong, and happy.

Give him Your wisdom to lead us, Your anointing to preach to us, and Your power to protect us.

And Lord, help us to be good followers and to give the pastor respect, trust, honor, support, and encouragement.

And together, as the pastor and the people, may we reap the harvest You have set before us.

Amen.

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Pastor Appreciation

The Price Paid by Pastors“In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God.

We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.

We have been beaten, put in jail, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.

We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

We have faithfully preached the truth. God’s power has been working in us.

We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves.

We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us.

We are honest, but they call us impostors.

We are well known, but we are treated as unknown.

We live close to death, but here we are, still alive.

We have been beaten within an inch of our lives. Our hearts ache,but we always have joy.

We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others.

We own nothing, and yet we have everything”

(2 Cor. 6:4-10 NLT).

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Bless My Pastor Today Bless my pastor as he leads and inspires me to be all I can be in Christ and to experience an “abundant life” in Him.

Bless my pastor as he studies and prays to develop me into a fully devoted disciple and to serve Christ and the church with anointed gifts.

Bless my pastor as he visits and consoles and points to Jesus Christ as the Affirmer, Healer, and Hope-giver.

Bless my pastor as he teaches and preaches to guide me in understanding God’s Word and how to relate it to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Bless my pastor as he plans and promotes to establish a strong growing church that ministers to all ages and that builds strong growing families.

Bless my pastor as he reaches and wins the unchurched and is obedient and faithful in guiding believers in fulfilling the Great Commission.

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This Program Guide Includes: •PositivePlanning •Checklist •Ideasforspecialexpressions •CompletedetailsforPastorAppreciationSunday •DetailedSundaymorningsermon •Plusalotmore!

Order These Additional Support Materials •IdeaBook •PastorAppreciationCards •ThemePoster •Love-GiftEnvelope •BulletinCover •BibleBookmark •BulletinInsert •GiftItemsforpastorandwife

To order your 2013 Pastor Appreciation

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