October is Clergy Appreciation Month

Many of us have an abiding affection and respect for pastors and ministry leaders, especially in these challenging and conflicted times. But we may not tell or show them how we feel very often. It could be done at any time in many ways--a simple note, a kind word, a small gift, an unexpected day away from the pulpit, an encouragement to take a full weekend with spouse, children or friends. It could happen often, even be a normal and expected part of the local church's year, month and week.

I am told that Focus on the Family launched Clergy Appreciation Month in 1994, and they chose the month of October, especially the second weekend, as a specially selected time to honor and thank the churches' entire pastoral staffs and their families. The blog, "Thriving Pastor" writes that there is biblical precedent: "We believe that the concept of clergy appreciation started with the Apostle Paul as he was establishing the first Christian churches. In 1 Timothy, he wrote, "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching" (1 Tim. 5:17). And, in 1 Thessalonians, he said, "Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work" (1 Thess. 5:12-13).

I don't know about you, but when I look back to many of the key transitional moments or crises of my life, there has almost always been a pastor present to listen, acknowledge, comfort, encourage, counsel, pray and guide. When I was first learning the basics of Christian faith, a pastor taught me. When I went on my first canoe trips and service projects, I was led by pastors like Robert Hunter and Tom Brennan. When my brother was nearly killed in a work-related accident, our pastor, Robert Bailey, came to be with my family. When Mary Lynn and I were trying to figure out if we should be married or not, a pastor counseled with us. When I was in studies at college and seminary, pastors were often the people who noticed my journey and challenges and gave encouragement along the way. When my sons were to be baptized, I asked a friend and pastor, James Dahlgren, to baptize them. When I just needed encouragement, there were pastors like Richard Harper and others, who spoke that word and showed their care. When I was under stress at work, or aching with some concern in life, it was almost always the case that I turned to pastors for a listening ear and effective support through the difficulty or crisis. Even when I noticed the absence of a pastor, that was also an acknowledgement of the role they play in key events of celebration or of loss.

Even though I have been a pastor myself for 30 years, I am not sure I have fully expressed my gratitude, thanks and appreciation to the clergy. How about you, your family, or your church? When the clergy offered God's love, light, healing and hope at times that these were deeply needed, or when they performed their ministries graciously and kindly though under fire, or when there were seasons of conflict in the life of the congregation, were you thanking God for these clergy and their families who bear the costs of Christ's work in many, many ways? Think of all their lost sleep, lost weekends, lost vacation days, unexpected interruptions, headaches and heartaches--on behalf of God's people! Have we thanked them and thanked God for them? Please give it a try. Appreciate those who serve in pastoral and staff ministries.

Instructed by Gates

As many of you know, I am returning from a three-month renewal leave. Thank you for bearing with my absence, and with the necessary time to get on board again with the district ministries. Mary Lynn and I did a lot together this summer, but one key adventure was travelling to Scotland for the first time. We saw Glasgow, Edinburgh, the sacred island of Iona, Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, Saint Andrew's, and the Culloden battlefield, among other beautiful, historic, and mysterious places. We visited with wonderful people, many of whom we could barely understand! Our sons came along, too, so there was time to talk, hike, try haggis together, and go to the tiny villages in Fife County where the Oglesbee family originated, and the area from which Alexander Oglesbee emigrated to the Virginia colonies in America around 1750.

I titled this return post "Instructed by Gates" because we learned a lot from gates while we were in Scotland. One beautiful blue gate in front of a home at the seaside town of Oban said only, "Carpe Diem" ("seize the day"), and I realized I had been instructed by a lovely, small gate about life's callings to us. We really should seize the gate of the day, seeking the grace that awaits when we pass through! "Go through, go through the gates..." (Isaiah 62:10).

We also learned hospitality from gates, which if you think about it, seems contradictory to the purpose of gates. However, the national laws provide for anyone who wishes to do so to walk or hike over private property more or less at will. People may also camp on private property, more or less at will. The restrictions on this, especially out in the countryside, are that one does no damage, avoids stock animals, and stays out of the farms' living and work areas. Otherwise, you are free to wander.

We were deeply touched and affected by this, as we ourselves walked the paths and dirt roads. Property owners not only allow guests on their lands all the time, but they provide gates or stiles for easy passage over fences. Animals stay in, while travelers can conveniently pass through the fields and forests.

We could not help thinking again and again how differently private property is being viewed in Minnesota and in the US. We all know that most gates are intended to signal to others that the owners want no uninvited guests near the things that belong to them. These days, one risks being shot on sight for perceived offense. Yet in Scotland, that was not the case. The gates were signals of hospitality, which did not say, "Go away, suspicious person!", but instead, "Here is the way. Pass through here!"

This experience reminds one of the words spoken in the Gospel of John 10:9: "I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture." It was a very simple thing, but we were moved by it, and we are considering how the open gate signals grace and generosity in God's work through Jesus Christ, and we are wondering how to make the things we own, the property we have, and so on, something to be generously shared, rather than tightly guarded. I am considering getting a gate for my home, one without a fence at all, a gate that only serves to remind us to find the way to God--and to go through. Blessings to each of you!  --Clay