Hey there!
I am the worship Pastor for my church and have just this past month trained up our new Youth Pastor as I was the Youth Pastor as well for the past 2 years and was merely God's fill-in for a season. I wanted to share with you how personally and deeply Brian Cline and all his sponsors and co-laborers have impacted me by this tournament for Pastor Appreciation in hopes that you might be a little encouraged by how you have encouraged me...
I have been in ministry since age 15 and started leading worship at 17... I became a full time worship leader in 2002. 2 Years ago we had a tough situation with our youth ministry and were in need of a youth Pastor. I was asked to step in and take it over, while still maintaining my responsibilities as the church's main Worship Pastor and leader, the Youth Ministry's Pastor, the Youth Ministry’s Worship Leader, a Radio Live Devotional talk show co-host, a Bible School student, and even more importantly a husband and Father of two babies...
This year at age 26 I came as close to burning out as I ever would want to come. I absolutely love Jesus down to my bones, and I love ministering to His people and serving them and encouraging them, however this year all the time I had taken from my family to do all this took its toll and fell brutally down upon my shoulders, affecting my marriage, my kids, and my self-esteem and joy for life. Not only did I want to quit being a pastor and worship leader, but I wanted to quit being alive. Satan threw every pitch in his bag of tricks at me to discourage me. I cried out to God and stayed my course in obedience and He came through at just the right time about 2 months ago.
Although I am now being released fully into my purpose as a Worship Leader/Songwriter and have been able to redirect my focus towards my marriage and family as well, I guess I never realized the wounds were still in the process of healing... but today at this golf tournament, I felt like God sealed the deal on encouraging me and coming to my rescue...
I was overwhelmed that Brian worked so hard to put this all together just for me and other pastors like me. I heard his heart within his words, and he clearly expressed his care and passion for seeing me encouraged. Not only that, but I could barely fit all the stuff in my car to come home with (the awesome shirt, the bag of great resources, the sweet plaque, and the TAYLOR MADE golf bag I won! Woo hoo!), and there was not enough room to put a lid on my heart of all I had taken in that day, and it bubbled over the whole ride home in talking with some other pastors from my church. The guys I golfed with were truly awesome men of God and at the end of our round of golf, we stood together, locked arms over each other's shoulders in embrace, and prayed together to God in thankfulness and then prayed for each other's churches, cities, families, and ministries... right there at the golf cart return...I experienced such a strong time in the presence of God on that course all day... and it really peaked for me at that moment of prayer and also when the singer from 4Him sang the song "Atmosphere" - I think his name was Andy Chrisman??? I wept as he sang and I felt God envelop me within the atmosphere of His peace and rescue... I couldn't keep the tears back... God was healing me, holding me... This tournament was an unexpected surprise that hit me out of nowhere and God used it in such a powerful way to bring me back to home base in His arms of rest. Thanks again many times over to every single person who did anything in making this event happen. Buddy's humor and hunger for the message of Jesus really lifted me up...Orange County National was just stellar in the way they served us. The course was fantastic (Panther Lake) and I played my best round of golf ever, Glory to God! I just got the motherload of physical, emotional, and spiritual blessing and I want you to know how deeply thankful I am for you having done this. God bless you and I pray for continuing increase and blessing on what you are doing for our awesome God.

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

The following is an article submitted by a pastor to a publication:

On Monday, October 2, 2006, 260+ pastors from all over Central Florida met at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge for what was to be one of the most blessed times of fellowship that I have ever enjoyed. The event was hosted by Pastor Appreciation Ministries and was completely free of charge for the pastors due to the generous contributions by the sponsors. The day began at 10:00 a.m. with unlimited use of the driving range. Afterward lunch was provided by Chic-fil-A, and there was a golfing demonstration by PGA Professionals Buddy Shelton and Brad Denton. During the afternoon it was off to the beautiful links of Orange County National. With pastors teamed up in foursomes and playing in a scramble format, the scores were good (I've never played from the fairway so much in my life), but the fellowship was even better. Laughter and cheers could be heard all over the course! When the round was over, we were treated to a wonderful buffet style meal with barbeque ribs, chicken and all the trimmings. Entertainment was provided throughout the day, and into the evening with such notables as Dennis Swanberg, Andy Chrisman (4Him), Kenn Kington, Buddy Shelton, and Brad Denton. In addition to the golf, the entertainment, and the wonderful meals, each participant was given a beautiful personalized plaque to commemorate the event; a bag full of "goodies"; and during the banquet/awards ceremony there were drawings for over 100 gifts. Words seem terribly inadequate, but our most sincere thanks go out to all of the sponsors, the entertainers, and to Brian Cline the organizer of the event. The stated purpose of Pastor Appreciation Ministries is "the building up and encouragement of pastors". That goal was realized and surpassed Monday as pastors were overheard saying "it's good to know someone cares", and "it's good to know you're not alone"! Thanks again Pastor Appreciation Ministries for a day I'll never forget.

Pastor JS

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Dear Brian and friends,

As a full-time minister and pastor for the past sixteen years, I am blown away that God would put it on the heart of someone to start a ministry, and to host a complimentary golf tournament, for no other reason than to thank full-time clergy. As most of my contempories will attest, we are so use to giving of our lives for others that we rarely expect to receive anything in return, especially from someone we have not ministered to. This is not meant to sound as if we are feeling sorry for ourselves, although all of us are tempted to do so at times. Rather, it is to say that we see the work we are doing as a privilege before anything and are caught by surprise when someone does something so thoughtful for us.

Having spoken with you during and after the tournament, I was inspired by your vision to help train lay people how to better care for and honor their spiritual leaders. I realize that some spiritual leaders have already proven to be self-serving, and have benefited more from their positions than they deserved to, but most spiritual leaders are overworked, underpaid, undervalued and underappreciated. The scriptures, even Jesus, strongly warned against taking such people for granted. However, as I shared with you, the hardest part in solving this problem is that the spiritual leaders are limited as to how much they can challenge their people to better honor them as leaders. It is difficult not to appear self-serving when doing so. Therefore most spiritual leaders avoid the subject and just suffer in silence. Your vision to come into this problem as a third party, and to meet one of the greatest needs that nobody is talking about, is admirable and I believe God-inspired.

Thank you for being obedient to what the Lord has put into your heart to do. And thank you again for such a wonderful day of golf, food, fellowship and neat door prizes. I made several new pastor friends at the tournament, and can hardly wait for next year's event!

God bless you Brian!
BH

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Dear Brian,

Great Job!!! Thanks again for a wonderful, relaxing day with friends old and friends new.

I golfed with Scott Smith and that turned out to be providential. I shared with Scott how my 32 year old daughter Christy, died of breast cancer this past May. I told him of her faith in the Lord right to the end. He was deeply moved and spoke of our conversation on radio the next morning. Coincidently, October is breast cancer awareness month and the station is partnering with Florida Hospital to spread the word. I know of several people who heard his comments and God only knows how many others were encouraged by hearing a little of Christy's story. All that to say that it would not have happened apart from you Brian. So Lord bless you for your tireless work on behalf of pastors particularly and the body of Christ generally.

With warmest regards,
SR

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Thank you so much for a great day. I have never been treated better in my life by someone that has never known me or even seen me. I will never forget what you did for so many people.

SE

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Hello Brian,

I'm a little late in getting my thank you out to you. My wife has a serious operation which has kept me pretty busy for the past couple of weeks.

When I received the letter about the PAGT I immediately ran home to register.
I had a wonderful time once again. One of the highlights of this and previous tournaments has been getting to know other pastors that I would probably have never met. Everything about the day was very special. I'm always amazed at how you do it! You've certainly won our hearts with all your efforts in making the PAGT a special day for us.

Blessings,
WF

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

This was my first time coming to your event. I was amazed with everything you had planned for the day. This is an incredible ministry; I cannot thank you enough for a wonderful day.

Thank you DZ

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian,

Thank you very much for all your labors! Because of difficult circumstances right now, I was unable to stay for the banquet. I did enjoy the fellowship during lunch and golf and received with appreciation the wonderful plaque as well as the many gifts.

God Bless,
JB - Senior Pastor

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian,

Sorry to get this back a little late. I left town last week after the golf tournament and have been playing catch up since. Thank you for the great time. You made us feel like kings. It was a tremendous success even if my golf wasn’t.

DR

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Dear Brian,

Thank you for the invitation, the golf, the food and everything else that you did to make that day very special. I wanted you to know how much I appreciated all the work and effort you (and others) put in. It was a very enjoyable day.

Sincerely in Christ Pastor PG

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Hey Brian,

I just wanted to thank you again for the golf tournament this past week. I had a blast. I meet some really neat guys and we had a good time together--even though the golf was a little shaky. It was good to relax and laugh.

I have been to every one of these events you have had. Please keep me on the list for next year.
JF

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian, thanks again! I've talked to several guys since last Monday and they were all extremely encouraged by the special day. You are awesome!

SC

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Thank you so much for a wonderful day of golf and ministry appreciation. You have been a great blessing to us and we thank you and the many sponsors.

Sincerely,
RP, PT and GB

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Great job! I appreciate all that you did for us…

SR

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian,

Thank you for such a wonderful day last Monday. Though I am a true duffer, I still enjoyed the fellowship, beautiful surroundings, the food, and prizes. The love was lavishly poured out on all pastors – thanks so much.

God bless, and thanks again. MG

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian,
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your appreciation. haha. I must say I was very very impressed and learned a lot for my sports outreach ministry. Please let me take you to lunch sometime soon my friend. Richest Blessings!

KB

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian, I want to add my thanks for making possible a very special day for me. This was my first time and I want you to know how much I appreciated being appreciated. I pray a great blessing for you and your ministry.

BC

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian,

Thank you so much for putting this together!!! It was such a great experience to fellowship with other pastors and enjoy a relaxing day. I had a blast! May God continue to bless you and your ministry!

JM

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Dear Brian and staff, Just a note to say thank you for all you and your staff did for us as ministers. It was not only a great getaway, but the fellowship with other pastors was really awesome. I can’t help but think of the woman who made the room for the prophet in the Bible. May God grant your hearts desires as well! God Bless you for all you do!

By His Spirit, Pastor DB

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Thanks so much for providing such a wonderful day for the pastors. My husband had a wonderful time and was very encouraged. We so appreciate your time and effort to put together a day for these wonderful men of God to get refreshed and have fun!

God bless you - J

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian and all your staff,

We don’t know how to thank you enough for the time and effort you put into the Golf outing for pastors in our area. It was such a “Jesus” thing. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole day – from the nice lunch to the wonderful evening meal and every gift and encouragement. Even the bad shots were okay with the wonderful company, perfect weather and course staff treating us like royalty. We were so blessed! I pray that God will greatly bless and encourage you because of the way you are pouring out your heart to be obedient to His call.

In Jesus Love
Pastors DB & RB

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Brian
I want to personally thank you for all you did for me yesterday. It was a tremendous day for me. I know that this tournament was lots of work for you and much time was used to make this a success. I want to thank you for following the vision that God has placed on your life. Thank you so much for being a blessing to me, my church and my family.

In Christ
SS

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

I just wanted to thank you for a fantastic day yesterday at the golf outing at Orange County National. Thank you for a terrific time and great fellowship. It was quite a refresher for me. God bless.

RI

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Greetings Brian!

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful time I had at the Pastor Appreciation Golf Tournament. The Lord used it to encourage me and to build a new friendship with another pastor. May He bless you richly for blessing all the rest of us.

In God we trust. PW- Minister

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Dear Brian,

I cannot express my gratitude for you and your ministry. I was so blessed yesterday, not only to be treated like royalty, but even down to the red apples on the course. Yours was and is an Excellent ministry! Although I am not a golfer I don't know how anyone could walk away yesterday with not feeling totally appreciated. I believe that you will soon be nationwide and eventually international with your ministry. Keep up the good work, and thank you for being obedient to the Lord. I will definitely promote your ministry to our local businessmen in our church, as well as our community. Finally, thank you, thank you, thank you.

For the Kingdom,
VC

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Hey Brian –

Just wanted to thank you once again for a great day yesterday. Thank you for your heart for Lord and your passion for pastors and their families. Will be praying for your ministry to follow the leading of the Lord and that He will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory. I will be praying personally and as a church as to how we fit into what He is doing through your ministry...

In Christ, JC

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Hey Brian,

Just wanted to thank you for yesterday’s event, I have played in many four man scrambles, however I have never been to one that was free and as first class as this event. I will definitely try and spread the word! Thank you for all that you are doing for us, now it our turn to do something for you. Would it be possible to email me some material that I could distribute to other pastors and business in the area? Again, you did a tremendous job, a true first class event!

Thank you so much!
T

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Hi Brian, it’s JS. I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed the day of fellowship. It really makes you realize that you are not alone. I must confess, when my partner couldn't make it I almost bailed out as well; boy am I glad I didn't. Maybe we can do lunch sometime.

Yours in Christ,
JS

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Hey Brian,
Congrats on getting the tournament started up again. When it stopped I was sure disappointed because I looked forward to it every fall. I made sure that I cleared my calendar for the day of the tournament. It was sure nice to spend the day with other pastors of different denominations and see what they've been doing for God. I'm excited and I've been praying that someone would take up the challenge to get it going again. I registered yesterday for the tournament and I hope it's not filled up yet. I haven't missed one yet but if another pastor who hasn't experienced playing yet gets in that's ok too. I wish you God's blessings on your ministry and pray that God will refresh and refill His ministers to do His work through your ministry. It is much needed.

Your Brother in Christ
Rev. DT

For more information go to www.pastorappreciationministries.org

Thanks again for inviting me to be a part of the Pastor Appreciation Ministries 2006 golf tournament and to once again witness first hand how it honors and uplifts the pastors by giving them a great day of rest, relaxation and fellowship out on the links.

I had a great time putting on the golf clinic with Buddy Shelton and Dennis Swanberg; what a privilege to get to fellowship with those two and help entertain the pastors at the same time. We had a blast!

I’m sure you have heard many of the comments personally about how incredibly grateful the pastors are for your vision, hard work and dedication, and for your heart in serving them by putting on an event like this. But, just in case you haven’t heard… All day, from practically every group, pastors were sharing with me their gratitude through variations of comments such as these:

“Thank you so much for putting on this event; it really means the world to be honored in this way.”

“Thank you for putting on this event. It feels great to have a relaxing day out and be ministered to.”

“Thanks for putting on this event. This is the only event we get like this that is done especially for us.”

“Thanks for putting on this event for us, it’s great to get to have the fellowship and meet new brothers who share the commonality of the calling to the pastorate.”

These are only a few of the comments I heard over and over during the day Brian. But as I heard them time and again, I became more increasingly aware of the deep and lasting impact your ministry is having on these men of God.

Thank you so much again for your heart and willingness to serve the pastors.

Blessings,
BD
Dynamic Golf Entertainment, Inc.

For more information go to http://www.pastorappreciationministries.org/