Every October, congregations celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month by honoring their pastors for the hard work and dedication they provide year-round.
Pastors and their families face incredible pressures. They often feel overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations and demands and frequently battle burnout. So, while prayer support is important throughout the year, Clergy Appreciation Month is dedicated to uplifting and encouraging our nation's spiritual leaders.
The Rev. H.B. London, vice president of pastoral ministries at Focus on the Family — and cousin to Dr. James Dobson — spoke with CitizenLink about Clergy Appreciation Month and the importance of honoring your pastor.
1. Why is Clergy Appreciation Month so important?
It is meant to recognize the call of God in the lives of men, women and couples to full-time Christian service. It is not meant just to glamorize the position of a pastor or staff person, but it is to call to the attention of the American public the contribution their spiritual leaders make in our society. Can you imagine our nation without caring, loving clergy? To be called “pastor” is one of the greatest possible designations.
2. What are some of the challenges and struggles unique to pastors and their families?
In our day and age, the challenges are greater than ever. Those who do attend church are in many ways consumers — they feel entitled. Beyond that, you have so many pastors who are under-compensated, and their ability to give full time to their assignment is ofttimes complicated by financial stress. But the greatest struggle remains one of management and balance. How does a busy, in-demand pastor give the proper time to his family and marriage and still meet the expectations of those who call him their pastor? Some always struggle with this delicate balance.
3. What are some of the greatest needs of pastors?
In my sermons to laymen, I stress several things every pastor needs: 1) They need congregations who are united and who serve together in love. 2) They need freedom to dream. A pastor without a dream is a pastor who is treading water, or settling for the ordinary. 3) They need prayer. I suggest every member of every church put a picture of their pastor and church staff on the refrigerator door. When they open that door, they should say a prayer for their pastor. 4) They need to use their gifts and graces. A pastor should be a leader not a baby sitter or an errand boy. 5) Every pastor needs to be “talked to” — not talked through or around, but given a chance to express his hopes without being unfairly judged.
4. What are some ways people can show appreciation for their pastors?
That’s an easy one. Visit clergyappreciation.org. This Web site will provide you with anything you will ever need to know about facilitating a proper and meaningful Clergy Appreciation Month event, including a downloadable planning guide.
One thing every church can do is write a note of appreciation and support to their pastor and staff team. Thank them for their service, promise your prayers, and if you want to include a little something with that note like a gift card or a monetary amount, that would be nice, as well. And, whatever you do, please do not forget your clergy spouses and their families.
5. Tell me how pastors have been encouraged by their congregants during Clergy Appreciation Month.
I remember receiving a letter one time from a pastor who had gone to church on a Sunday morning in October with a resignation letter in his pocket. As he stood to deliver that message, one of the church leaders stepped up to the podium and asked the pastor to be seated. The next several minutes were filled with person after person coming to the microphone and extolling the positive nature of that pastor’s service to them and the community. The pastor and his family were given gifts, prayed over and loved. The pastor said he was so taken by all of this that he tore up his resignation letter, said thanks and dismissed the congregation. They had left him speechless. I wish that could happen in every church.
So whatever you do, be it a big event or just a casual recognition of your pastor’s commitment to his call and your congregation, do something! I promise you it will be a win-win situation. You will be blessed, and your pastor and church staff will feel motivated by your affirmation.
Remember the words of Paul from I Thessalonians 5:12-13: “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.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit Focus on the Family's Pastoral Ministries Web site.
