Pastor Appreciation Month: What Pastors Really Need from Their Communities

by Kimmett Bellows
Insurance Agent, Lightwell Insurance Advisors

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and while I’m grateful for the cards, the kind words, and the gestures of thanks, I want to share something deeper—something I’ve learned from both sides of the pulpit and the policy desk.

As a bivocational pastor and insurance advisor, I’ve had the privilege of sitting across from ministry leaders in moments of celebration and crisis. I’ve seen the weight they carry, and I’ve felt it myself. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: pastors need more than appreciation—they need support, presence, and understanding.

Support Looks Like Showing Up
Sometimes support looks like a conversation. Sometimes it’s a text saying, “I’m praying for you.” Sometimes it’s helping repaint a curb or replace a faded handicap sign. I’ve done those things at my own church, and I share those stories with other pastors to show them: it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

Know who in your church wants to serve. Know who’s able. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ministry is not meant to be done alone.

We Don’t Have Anyone to Go To
One of the most astonishing things about pastors is that we often carry burdens silently. We’re the ones people come to when they’re hurting, confused, or in crisis. But who do we go to?

I remember sitting with a pastor and his wife in San Angelo—he was in his late 70s, had served faithfully for over 30 years. We had just wrapped up reviewing their insurance documents and then something incredible happened – we spent another hour and a half just talking. They opened up about the struggles they were facing, and I was able to minister to them—not as an agent, but as a fellow pastor who understood.

Even though that moment didn’t result in a sale, it was worth more than money. It was ministry.

Encouragement Matters More Than You Know
Pastors don’t need grand gestures. What we need is someone to sit with us, to listen, to remind us that we’re not alone. We need someone to say, “You’re doing what God called you to do, and that matters.”

I often share with my church, and the ministries I serve, that the results are not our responsibility. That’s God’s job. Our job is to be faithful. To speak the message we’ve been given. To disciple with the gifts we’ve been entrusted. And to trust that God will take care of the rest.

If we can remember that, we can keep pouring our hearts into the work without being crushed by the weight of outcomes.

A Word to the Church
If you’re reading this and you’re part of a church community, here’s my encouragement to you: see your pastor. Not just the sermons or the programs. See the person. Ask how they’re doing. Offer your time, your skills, your prayers.

And if you’re a pastor reading this, remember your calling. Remember that it’s about people. Not programs. Not buildings. Just people. Minister to them where they are, how they are. And trust God with the rest.

Watch Kimmett's full interview here, or listen to The Lightwell Podcast on your favorite streaming service.

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About the Author: Kimmett Bellows is a producer for Lightwell Insurance Advisors, serving ministries across Texas and New Mexico. Kimmett is renowned for transparent integrity and compassionate service. With a profound understanding of policy intricacies and financial constraints, Kimmett guides organizations with clarity, balancing coverage needs with budgetary realities. He empathizes with the challenge of managing expenses while funding ministry. Kimmett fosters genuine relationships, offering not just expertise but partnership in navigating insurance complexities.

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