Pastors' Appreciation Month
The Apostle Paul teaches us to "… encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to 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. Live in peace with each other.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 (NIV)
While honoring and encouraging one another is to be a way of life for Christians, there are special times set aside to honor those who have answered the call of God to pastoral ministry. Clergy Appreciation Day is always the second Sunday in October, and all of October is celebrated as Clergy Appreciation Month. The celebration was established in 1992 with a mission of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries and religious workers.
I had the privilege of being a pastor in 1992 when this practice was started. I remember being somewhat caught by surprise; (I somehow missed the announcement!) Church members gave cards with encouraging words, and gifts expressing their love for me and my family for our service to them. It was truly a family type celebration. We were all touched by such open and sincere expressions of love and appreciation. I think God is pleased that we have continued this practice.
Now that I am a full-time faculty member at NBC, I am no longer assigned to a church as its lead pastor. However, I now have the opportunity to share with my pastor the encouragement and appreciation he and his family deserve. It is a joy to be on the giving end of this special day!
Students, as you prepare to answer your pastoral call, make sure you take the time to appreciate all that your pastor and his/her family have done for you, your family and your church family. When we are generous and encouraging, we are demonstrating the characteristics of our heavenly Father. For those of you who are currently pastoring, I pray that your church family will shower you with expressions of love and appreciation. May it become an opportunity for the whole church family to sense God’s favor as we love and appreciate one another as God intends.
Paul told the Thessalonian Christians that such love and appreciation fosters the ability for the peace of God to reign in the Church. Paul also taught the Roman Christians: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:17-19 (NIV)
So, Pastor’s Appreciation is more than just a day or month of expressing gratitude to those in pastoral ministry. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate that we are truly disciples of Jesus, because we take the time to demonstrate how much we love one another. Jesus taught us: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 (NIV) Just think of the impression this would make on someone who might visit your church for the first time and see such honor and appreciation taking place. Maybe, that person would begin to hunger and thirst to be a part of a group of people who do such things!
Last Sunday, our church showered our pastor and pastoral staff with love. But, much to our surprise, ordained ministers like myself who minister regularly in volunteer and supportive rolls, were also included in those gifts of love. God reminded all of us that… “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)
I pray that every pastor and pastoral student will never forget to appreciate those who pastored and mentored them while they were preparing to answer God’s call.
Dr. James Russom, NBC Director of Pastoral Leadership and Ministries Programs
Published: 10/14/2022
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