So why would I, a pastor, post such a self-serving blog entry? Honestly, I’ve been very conflicted with pastor appreciation month since the day I became a pastor. One reason is that a pastor is only as good as his/her team. For example, I work with a staff of three other people who may not have Rev. in front of their name, but they’re critical to the work of ministry that we’re engaged in. Then there are Elders who faithfully visit people that pastors like me aboslutely need to take their work seriously. I really appreciate those guys. And there are Deacons who serve on the front line of mercy ministry and benevolence. A pastor simply cannot do all of this in a church of more than 20.
So this entry is as much a shout out to the team as anything. Please appreciate all of them…not just pastors. We’re only as effective as the team standing and working beside us. Yet, of course, appreciation for pastors too is really appreciated. We need it. When folks are not happy, we are sure to hear about it…somehow. And when folks are happy, every once in awhile they’ll pass along a kind word or note. For the record, I have a drawer with just about every one of those notes…because some days I just need to read them to keep going another day.
Sometimes people have actually taken the time to ask, “How do we appreciate our pastor?” It’s a tough question for a guy like me to answer…but I stumbled across a blog from someone else today with some really good thoughts. And I pass it along for those who care to know what might be especially meaningful to your pastor in honor of Clergy Appreciation Month. Here it is!
You see them each Sunday. For some, you hear them preach regularly. You seek them out on special occasions like marriage or funerals. Sometimes you look for their help for counseling sessions. Most of the time, they are expected to be there when you need them. What about appreciating what they have been doing? What about a month allocated to show them that you appreciate their services in the Church or parachurch setting?
The month of October is specially set aside for such a purpose. You can read more about Clergy Appreciation Month here and here. The history of ‘clergy appreciation month’ can be read here. Depending on the availability and the convenience of Church members and friends, affirmation, prayer and various kinds of support can be done at any time. If you have thought about your own pastors and wanted to encourage them, but not sure when is the right time, how about doing something for them this October? Remember, you do not need to give them material stuff. A word of encouragement to them goes much farther. Between dollars and the word of encouragement, the latter is far more priceless. I am sure you can do that.
Now, I am not advocating CAM simply because I am a pastor. I believe that servants of God ought to be honoured in a special way too. In fact, you may even help them do a better job in serving God.
“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)
So if your church has elders and pastors, or teaching staff or leaders in the ministry of preaching or teaching, Clergy Appreciation Month is for you to show your gratitude for their ministry. May the Lord bless you richly as God uses you to bless your leader. Below are 8 ways to show your appreciation to your leaders. [Credit to PromiseOfGod ministry.]
HOW TO APPRECIATE YOUR PASTOR/ELDER
- Cut the criticism;
- Pray Regularly;
- Express Appreciation in Writing;
- Use your skills to bless;
- Squelch Gossip;
- Offer to meet a need;
- Be Openly Responsive;
- Throw Away Your Measuring Stick.
