It Takes a Village: Celebrating Pastor Appreciation Month

Pastor Appreciation Month is an opportunity to honor the men and women who serve as spiritual leaders, guiding their congregations through the highs and lows of life. But as we at the Mutual Aid Agency sat down to chat with Pastor Marty Doss, it became clear that for many pastors, this month isn’t about personal recognition—it’s about celebrating the community as a whole.

“It takes a village,” Pastor Marty told us, reflecting on the incredible support he receives from his congregation. Although Marty has been a pastor for over two decades, leading various churches, he is the first to admit that ministry is never a one-person show. “We can’t be the people we are as pastors without the people in our communities, who are not only supporting us, but supporting the vision of ministry.”

Marty's humility and team-oriented mindset are a powerful reminder of what truly makes a church thrive: the collective effort of everyone involved. Whether it's the volunteers stepping up to serve or the congregants offering their prayers and support, the work of a pastor is deeply intertwined with the contributions of the church family.

“I’m blessed to have a congregation where people step up. They’re not just sitting on the sidelines—they’re right there with me on the field of play,” Marty shared. He sees his role not as someone who carries the weight alone, but as part of a larger group effort. “A good pastor is a bit like a quarterback—you rely on your team, and they rely on you. It’s a mutual effort, and that’s what makes a church work.”

As we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, Marty’s words resonate deeply with us at the Mutual Aid Agency. We understand the importance of community, mutual support, and working together to achieve something greater. It’s at the heart of our mission to serve and uplift faith communities, helping churches fulfill their ministry with peace of mind.

Marty’s journey in ministry began in 1996, and over the years, he has led three different congregations. Each has been unique, with its own traditions, challenges, and opportunities. His current church, nestled in the city of Harrisonburg, has had a rich and vibrant history. Like many churches, it experienced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Marty explained, “Every church is different, but the past few years have been especially hard. COVID changed things, and we’re still learning how to grow and adapt in this new world.”

But despite the difficulties, Marty remains optimistic. His congregation is small but committed, and together they are working to renew their vision for the future. “We’ve come through a lot, but there’s excitement in figuring out what comes next. What can we do now, post-COVID, to renew who we are as a congregation?”

This spirit of renewal and teamwork is something we at MAA admire. Like Marty’s church, we believe in the power of community and mutual support. For congregations insured by MAA, our Brethren Mutual Aid Share Fund offers an additional layer of assistance, ensuring ministries can continue their work even when unexpected challenges arise.

Marty shared with us how MAA has been a part of his life for many years, both personally and professionally. “They’ve always been genuine and friendly, willing to take time with you to share who they are and what they do. It’s not just about coverage—they really care about the community.”

Marty values the relationships he has built with MAA over time. His experience reflects the kind of care and intentionality we strive to bring to every interaction. “What stands out to me is the way MAA works to meet people where they are—whether that’s individuals or churches. They’re always focused on service.”

This October, as we celebrate pastors across the country, we at the Mutual Aid Agency are reminded of the importance of community. Pastor Marty’s words inspire us to think about the people who make a difference—not just the pastors leading from the front, but the congregations standing alongside them. Pastor Appreciation Month is a time to honor pastors, yes, but also to reflect that appreciation back on the entire church community—the village that makes it all possible.

“It’s about teamwork,” Marty told us as our conversation came to a close. “Yes, it feels good to be appreciated as a pastor, but the real story is the people behind me, supporting me and the vision we share together.”

In that spirit, we want to take this opportunity to thank not only the pastors we work with, but also the many hands that make their ministries possible. It’s a privilege to support churches in their mission and to offer services that align with the values we all hold dear. Because just like Marty said—it truly takes a village.