Every year, Oregon Conference pastors and conference office leadership spend 48 hours together in prayer, training and strategic planning at Twin Rocks Friends Camp and Family Center in Rockaway Beach, Oregon.
“As much as we also wanted to provide meaningful information and content, we really wanted this to be a time when pastors were heard,” shared Nate Hellman, Oregon Conference pastoral ministries director. “We don’t want to just be leading from our offices, thinking, ‘What do our pastors need?’ We want to hear, develop and build with our pastors.”
During the 2025 retreat, an intentional time was held to recognize the prayerful, dedicated ministry labors of Oregon Conference pastors. “Our team worked together to produce a certificate of gratitude for every single pastor in our conference that honored their years of service in pastoral ministry,” continued Hellman.
Pastors were categorized by years: those who have served 10 years or less, 11–20 years, 21–30 years and 31 years or more. “What was so neat was to see that the largest group of pastors here is the 10 years or less group,” enthused Hellman. “This gave us the opportunity to affirm and recognize each of them. As we read off the names and handed out these certificates, the pastors really hyped each other up and affirmed each other."
"We took photos of each group and applauded them, but when we got to the group of those who had served more than 30 years, there was a standing ovation that went on for a while," continued Hellman. "I was stifling emotion because it was so meaningful to see them acknowledged and thanked. It didn’t cost much to produce a document like that, but now I have pastors sending me photos of them framed in their offices. I think it was much needed, given what we’ve all been through, and it was great to see the rapport there between our pastors.”
As the retreat ended and pastors returned to their local church ministries, one thing remained clear: When it comes to the ups and downs of ministry, a little bit of acknowledgment and gratitude can go a long way.
Although Pastor Appreciation Month is typically observed in October, don’t wait for a special occasion to show your pastor gratitude. Even a brief, heartfelt message of thanks can remind your pastor that their ministry matters — any time of year.
Each September, pastors and their families gather in Rockaway Beach for a time of prayer, training and renewal.
