October is the Synod’s designated month for showing appreciation, in an intentional and unified way, to those who serve us through their faithfulness, dedication and skill. These dear workers bless us in a multitude of ways as they preach, teach and care for God’s people in body and soul.
This year, in thanksgiving for these gifts of God, we have planned a year’s worth of observances to align with other organizations in highlighting the many different kinds of workers who serve in the LCMS and to give thanks for all of them and the indispensable and sacrificial work that they do.
Starting next month, watch for the following opportunities to recognize and celebrate the special church workers in your life. We hope you’ll join with your brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the LCMS as we pause to thank our church workers for all they do and, even more, to thank our Lord for giving us these dear servants who keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).
Oct. 13 Pastor Appreciation
April 28 Director of Parish Music Appreciation
May 5–9 Teacher Appreciation
June 26 Director of Christian Education Appreciation
Discover ways to show appreciation to the church workers in your life.
Posted Sept. 25, 2024
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I understand that you are suggesting we honor all those who hold called positions in the church. As I read the categories I became upset that once again groups that work very hard in the church are being ignored. What about the church secretary, who makes sure that everything is done for every service and every event, with very little to no recognition? What about the custodian, who is the real unsung hero of the team that needs to be recognized. Do I even mention the wife and family of the pastor who are never asked by anyone in the congregation what their needs may be?
I learned in my business career that if you single people out for recognition, you will almost always miss someone. At that point it is difficult to regain their respect. Would it not be better if we encouraged parishioners to be grateful to those who give their time and talent for the benefit of all, and not just a select few?
Dear Sally,
Thank you for your comment. The response below comes from the Rev. Dr. James A. Baneck, director of the LCMS Office of Pastoral Education.
I give thanks to God for you and the many others who humbly serve in Christ’s church in various ways as baptized children of God in Christ Jesus. I have served as a church secretary myself and do not forget all of the work that takes place each and every day to operate a local congregation. People like secretaries and custodians have a significant role in the life of the local congregation. Indeed, countless people serve one way or another throughout our Synod, especially in our congregations and schools. While we are thankful of how the Body of Christ serves within the church, it would be difficult to thank them all. We most certainly pray that takes place at the local level.
The LCMS has eight specific professional church work vocations, which we call ordained and commissioned workers. The pastor is specifically called to preach and teach God’s Word and administer the Sacraments. The seven specific commissioned workers in the LCMS support the Office of the Holy Ministry and assist the faithful in their God-given vocations. These workers are formed and educated, especially at our Concordia universities and seminaries. They are then certified and called to serve our congregations and schools in specific ways.
This story specifically addresses these beloved ordained and commissioned church workers and the many ways that we are blessed by their service, especially as they preach, teach and witness to the Word of Christ for the life and salvation of God’s people.
The self-governing congregations of the LCMS have great freedom in the selection, employment, encouragement and recognition of their local workers — employed and volunteer. All of these workers in the church, including secretaries, facilities staff, IT personnel, volunteer youth workers, musicians and others may also be recognized and appreciated during the month of October, and certainly throughout the year.
Our communication efforts encourage this widespread thankfulness to our Lord for the people that He has given to serve among us. However, our intention here is to give particular focus to our pastors and commissioned workers.
Thank you for your service and for sharing your thoughts with us.
Rev. Dr. James A. Baneck, executive director, LCMS Office of Pastoral Education