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Pastor Appreciation Sunday 2026

Honoring Faithful Shepherds. Celebrating God's Servants.

Sunday, October 25, 2026
10:00 AM | Sunday Worship Service
Encounter Church
10180 Rolling Hills Dr., Benbrook, TX 76126

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, a special time to recognize, honor, and express our gratitude for the spiritual leaders God has placed in our lives.

At Encounter Church, we are blessed to have two extraordinary leaders who have faithfully answered God's call to shepherd His people: our Senior Pastor, Bishop Gary Oliver, and our First Lady and Co-Pastor, Dr. Noemi X. Oliver.

On Sunday, October 25, we invite our entire Encounter Church family to join us for a special Pastor Appreciation Sunday as we celebrate their faithful service, unwavering commitment to God's Word, and the love they continually pour into this ministry and the lives of others.

A Heart of Gratitude for Our Shepherds

Pastoral leadership is more than preaching a sermon on Sunday. It is a calling that requires faith, sacrifice, prayer, wisdom, compassion, and a willingness to serve God's people through every season of life.

Through their teaching, prayers, encouragement, counsel, and personal example, Bishop Gary and Dr. Noemi Oliver have helped countless individuals and families grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Their obedience to God's calling has helped establish a ministry where people can encounter His presence, discover their purpose, experience His love, and walk in the freedom found in Christ.

As we celebrate 26 years of Encounter Church, we recognize the faithfulness of God and the steadfast leadership He has provided through these two devoted servants.

“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” — Jeremiah 3:15 (NKJV)

Giving Honor Where Honor Is Due

Scripture encourages us to recognize and appreciate those who faithfully labor among us.

“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” — 1 Timothy 5:17 (NKJV)

Pastor Appreciation Sunday is an opportunity for us to put that biblical principle into action.

We encourage our church family to come with grateful hearts, ready to worship the Lord and express genuine appreciation for the spiritual leadership, love, and dedication of Bishop Gary and Dr. Noemi.

Whether through a heartfelt note, a personal expression of gratitude, a thoughtful gift, or simply words of encouragement, let us take this opportunity to remind our pastors that their labor of love is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.

Join Us as We Celebrate!

We invite members, families, friends, and everyone whose life has been touched by their ministry to join us for this special Sunday celebration.

Above all, we give glory to God for His faithfulness and for the shepherds He has entrusted with His people.

Bishop Gary Oliver and Dr. Noemi X. Oliver, thank you for your YES to God, your love for His people, and your continued commitment to His Kingdom!

We love you, we honor you, and we thank God for you!

Happy Pastor Appreciation Month!

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 (NKJV)

Encounter Church
Word Activated. Love Motivated. Praise Saturated. People Liberated.