Since 1992, the month of October has been Clergy Appreciation Month. It is designed for us to encourage and thank the religious leaders in our lives. We should let our Pastors know that we love and support them. Also, let them know why we appreciate their hard work and labor of love. We tend to always hear about all the Ministers that mess up or make a mistake, but we don’t hear much at all about all the good things that are happening in churches across the country. Pastors are saving lives, helping families, feeding the poor, and helping hurting people with God’s help. The scriptures I have here are ones that we really need to take to heart. We need to listen to all of God’s Word.
HEBREWS 13:7
7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
NLT
The Ministry provided by Pastors and their families is very unique. God has chosen them to watch over His children and take care of the spiritual well-being of their congregation.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-13
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.
13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
NLT
When a Pastor becomes worn down and worn out, the very souls of his flock are at risk. Pastors and their families live under unbelievable stress and strain. Their lives are played out in a glass house, with the whole congregation and the public scrutinizing their every move. They are expected to have model families, to be wonderful people, to always be on hand, to never have problems, and to have all the answers we need to keep our own lives on track. These are impractical expectations to place on anyone; yet most of us are let down when a pastor becomes overwhelmed, seems sad, lets us down, or totally burns out. That is why God teaches us to recognize His servants.
1 TIMOTHY 5:17
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.
NLT
The good news is that we can make a difference! Clergy Appreciation Month is one way we can return the favor and encourage our spiritual leaders and let them know that we care about them. There are four easy ways to help your pastors and their families feel appreciated: (1) Buy them a card. (2) Bless them with a gift card to a restaurant, movie theatre or department store. (3) Share with them, in writing, how much they have blessed you and your family. (4) Encourage others to do the same.
Show appreciation and honor your Pastor and his family this year. It will encourage them more than you ever may realize.
Pastor Tony Guadagnino
Christian Love Fellowship Church
