October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and in the city of Hot Springs and Garland County there is a group of pastors who have managed to cross denominational lines and learned to appreciate and love each other.
The Pastors Prayer Group has quietly grown to include some 120 pastors and associated pastors over the course of four years. The group meets on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at a different church each week for fellowship and prayer. The host church prepares coffee and a light breakfast snack, then they break into groups of threes for individual prayer before coming together to pray for the host pastor, their church, and the community. These Thursday morning prayer gatherings are the result of pastors inviting pastors. They average 35 to 40 and occasionally closer to 60 ministers a week, a news release said.
"What is unique about this group is that they have no formal leadership. No board of directors, no committees or executive structure whatsoever. When asked, 'How ministers, that are accustomed to only doing things through boards and committees managed to not only get along but to thrive and collaborate on projects together,' the overwhelming answer is, 'It is all about Jesus!' He is the example, and inspiration," the release said.
"Jesus said in John 13:34 we are to love one another, as He loved us. When we love each other as Jesus instructed, we can be in one accord," it said.
"Being in 'one accord' does not mean we agree on everything. But it does mean that we agree with the fundamentals of the Christian faith, which are the inerrancy of scripture, the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His death, burial and resurrection as an atonement for sins and Jesus' ascension into heaven and imminent return for His church. This is the bedrock common to all our denominations," the release said.
"Another miraculous thing about the PPG is that, in a room full of pastors with strong personalities and leadership abilities, they have learned to check their competitive spirit at the door." Because of that, churches are joining forces to serve the community with projects that include Mission Hot Springs, Easter at the Mall, Trunk or Treat, Samaritans Feet, Backpacks for kids, Stomp out Hunger, National Day of Prayer, and The Salvation Army Angel Tree. The beauty is that a sponsor church may take the lead on a project, but others can partner with them, no matter how big or small to help produce a greater impact.
"So, during pastor appreciation month it's good to hear of a group of pastors appreciating each other and recognizing that they are not competitors in the marketplace, but partners on a great mission to be "The Church of Hot Springs and Garland County. And together they can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us."
Religion on 10/20/2018