We’ve received over 1000 nominations already, and more nominations keep pouring in every day.

First prize?  An all-expense-paid retreat for two at the 3-day seminar of the pastor’s choice at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove near Asheville, North Carolina. The trip is valued at up to $1,500.

We’re accepting E-mail nominations for a few more days, so don’t delay! Check out the Servant Heart Award website, put a team of leaders together, and nominate your pastor today!

Recently I cruised the CTA website and decided to check out some pages I hadn’t looked at in some time. Remembering that during October many churches set aside special time to honor their pastors in special ways, I headed to the CTA Pastor Appreciation link. As I pulled up the pages I discovered something I had no idea was on the site – a free, downloadable PDF file titled, CTA’s Favorite Ways to Show Pastor and Staff Appreciation. I love stumbling across new and creative ideas, especially if they’ve been used successfully in other churches. This list of twenty ideas came from the CTA staff, who likely have observed them used in their congregations. What a great resource. And it’s free!

I then found four other free downloads to help churches recognize and honor pastors … customizable postcard templates, name badges, a power point presentation, and a brochure by Sonscape Retreats titled, 50 Ways to Love Your Pastor. What great discoveries – even better than three dollars in a coat pocket!