Dear Justin,
You have been my pastor for fifteen years. I've heard you preach over 1,000 sermons and teach hundreds of classes. God has used you to grow my faith and my love for his Word, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside you.
Fifteen years ago, my mom called and asked me to come home for the weekend. She wanted me to meet you, her new pastor, because she thought we would be a good match. Laughing on the inside, I entertained her idea and came home for a visit. As soon as your sermon began, there was no more laughing. Mom was right. You were clearly a faithful expositor of God's Word who loved your church family well, and I wanted to meet you. We hit it off quickly, and three months later I had a ring on my finger symbolizing my next step in life as a pastor's wife.
During our engagement, you were called to another church. I'll never forget one of the questions from the congregation during your interview process: "Emily is young. Is she ready to be a pastor's wife?" The question irritated and confused me, but you were untroubled. You had full confidence in your 20-year-old fiancée and spoke kind words of affirmation. Being a pastor's wife has certainly been challenging at times, but it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. You have taught me so much about how to love people well and get out of my comfort zone in social situations. The way you encourage others and defuse conflict is a gift and an inspiration.
While hundreds of people hear you speak on a weekly basis, I have a front-row seat to see the hours of preparation and study that go into every sermon. I have the privilege of praying with you every morning before you go to the office, and I get a sneak peek of every message as we discuss the underlying truths of each biblical passage. Thank you for valuing what God has taught me and for asking for my input when you are fleshing out an idea.
You've covered so much biblical ground since I began sitting under your preaching, but my favorite sermons are from your different series in the Old Testament. You are most passionate when you preach Old Testament narratives, and I love how you provide so much necessary context for familiar stories. I have journal after journal filled with truths you have taught me from the pulpit, and I know many more pages are yet to be filled.
In recognition of Pastor's Appreciation Month, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and your faithfulness in preaching God's Word. I love you.
Love,
Emily
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