October is pastor appreciation month. As a pastor for 25 years, here are some ideas for things your church can give your pastor:

Give him a place.

Give him a place where he is free to preach the gospel.

Give him a place where he is accepted for who he is, not compared to who he isn’t.

Give him a place where he is considered a colaborer, not a hired hand.

Give him a place where he is allowed to struggle with the difficulties of life.

Give him a place where he is forgiven when he doesn’t always meet your expectations.

Give him a place where his wife and family are loved and nurtured.

Give him a place where the expectation is not perfection but humility and dependence upon Jesus.

Give him a place where he can take time to just be and to process the emotional baggage he carries.

Give him a place where he can go to his son’s game without guilt.

Give him a place where he can take time to visit his family he moved away from.

Give him a place where he doesn’t have to worry about supporting his family financially.

Give him a place where his name is mentioned mostly in your prayers.

Give him a place where he can mourn as he conducts memorial services for people who are more to him than just congregation members.

Give him a place where he is loved with the love of Jesus.

Give him a place where he can be exactly who he is, a sinner saved by the marvelous grace of Jesus.

Give him a place.