Download the PDF-version below:

RESOURCES

Pastors Appreciation & Wellness Month – Circular (20 September 2023): https://afm-ags.org/pastors-appreciation-wellness-month-october-2023/

AFM of SA Calendar 2024 – Updated (As Received from the Office of the GS):
https://afm-ags.org/afm-calendar-2024/

Pastoral Letter of the 3rd Quarter – New!
https://afm-ags.org/category/publications/pastoral-letters/

Dear Colleague,

The month of October marks a focus on pastors’ appreciation and wellness. A Circular was sent to all AFM Assemblies on the 20th of September from the desk of the General Secretary. I asked Past. Selby Khumalo to share more about this important month in our church (this message will also be shared on the AFM’s social media platforms).

PASTORS APPRECIATION & WELLNESS MONTH
Past. Selby Khumalo – General Secretary of the AFM of SA

As Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must remember that Leaders are also human beings just as we are: they hurt, bleed, get upset, frustrated, lonely, tired, and have heartaches; those things that every other person experiences. The only difference is that God has given them much more responsibility (caring for the flock) than others. The Acts of the Apostles tell us in Chapter 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and feed the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made your overseers (bishops, pastor, teachers), to feed the church of God, which He (Jesus) hath purchased with His only Blood”.

Let’s look at what the scripture says about how we should honour, respect and treat our “Leaders”:

“The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.” (Matthew 10: 41, ESV)

“Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” (Mark 9: 41, BSB). Therefore, blessing or honouring a man or woman of the Lord showers down rich blessings upon our heads. Always remember to respect the position that the Lord has established.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)

The Old Testament says in Jeremiah 23:4: “I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD.” (NKJV)

As we honour and appreciate our Pastors and their families, let the assembly be informed and made aware of some essential elements of pastoral wellness. I will highlight six areas of wellness:

Spiritual Wellness: A pastor spending time reflecting and exploring his/her spiritual life.

Emotional Wellness: A pastor maintaining a healthy emotional life.

Intellectual Wellness: A pastor staying engaged in learning new things, doing creative activities and enhancing intellectual interest.

Physical Wellness: A pastor following a healthy lifestyle that involves moving the body (exercise), eating well-balanced food, sleeping well and health screenings.

Social Wellness: A pastor having a strong social network – offering support and guidance.

Financial Wellness: A pastor taking steps to live within his/her means and plan for future financial health.

I want to encourage you to also refer to two valuable articles about pastoral wellness in the AFM as was written and contributed by the late Dr Vincent Atterbury – a passionate promoter of pastoral wellness. I trust that the suggestions and insights offered in these articles will again be a blessing to you and your ministry:

The Biblical Mandate for the Well-being of Pastors and Leaders in the Church
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-3rd-quarter/
(Archive: Pastoral Letter of the 3rd Quarter 2018)

Pastoral Wellness: The Whole Picture
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-4th-quarter/
(Archive: Pastoral Letter of the 4th Quarter 2018)

Friendly Regards
Henri Weideman

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