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We often overlook all it takes to make a church function. We forget to be thankful for the daily grind of those faithful servants who show up for everyone’s comfort and growth weekly.

When we were still traveling and visiting churches across the country, I had an experience that changed my perspective greatly.

We were visiting a sweet country church in Pennsylvania, and the quiet pastor looked at me and said, “You come from a large church, don’t you?”

I’m loud and obnoxious, but that didn’t mean anything, did it? 

“I do,” I responded timidly.

He was quiet, and I’m not sure he would have shared how he knew if I wouldn’t have asked. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, “How could you tell?”

“Well,” he began tentatively, “You keep calling me the Senior Pastor.” 

There are moments in life when you realize your limited perspective on life has molded you into who you are and imposed on your worldview and language without your knowledge. 

I’d only known Jesus at a large church with many pastors to take care of many roles. I’d been on teams to accomplish tasks that one man would have to do if he was the ONLY pastor at a church. 

Did you know the average church size across America is 100 people? One man is generally the pastor of 100 people or less and is expected to meet the needs of his congregation. In a church that size, the pastor is lucky to have 10-20 people who serve regularly to lighten the load. 

Now, our family attends an average-sized church with one pastor who runs it all with a very active but small group of elders. I see how where we are in our communities, churches, and life circumstances dictates what we know and how we feel about those around us. 

So, in honor of all the large and mega-churches out there and for the 1 guy who is at his church doing it all, I give you a list of who to be thankful for at your church. This may just be one guy filling all the roles with a little help from his wife. So… be thankful!!!

Be thankful for:

• Your pastor
• His wife and family
• Your leader’s commitment to your maturity
• Sunday services
• Childcare
• Children’s church
• Sunday school
• Bible studies
• Women’s events
• Men’s events
• Small group leaders
• Bible study authors
• Women’s directors
• Ministry leaders
• Camp directors
• Camp counselors
• Administrative pastors
• Elders
• Deacons
• The ones who make the coffee
• The leaders of the moms groups
• The ones who stay to clean up
• Janitors
• Landscapers
• Decorators
• Those leading Operation Christmas Child
• Potluck planners
• Prayer warriors
• Worship leaders
• Tech guys
• Biblical counselors
• Facilitators
• Greeters
• Graphic designers
• Social media posters
• Video guys
• VBS director
• VBS volunteers
• AWANA leaders
• BSF leaders

And I’m positive I’ve missed some. 

These next couple weeks, take a look around at everyone involved to get things done at your church and even in your community. Say thank you out loud to someone normally unseen, and then cultivate an attitude of thankfulness in your heart!! 

Thank you so much for sharing your time with us. Cedar Creek Ministries is funded by Christians and churches who believe in the call to offer our leaders the double portion! If you feel the desire to make sure all those men and women called to serve God in missions and ministry have everything they need to personally rest, restore family relationships, and revive ministry vision, consider joining us in regular prayer and financial support!

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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries.