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.