October designated Clergy Appreciation Month By Robert Velarde National Day of Prayer Task Force Monday, September 14, 1998  “And
now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for
you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you
along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love.”
(I Thess. 5:12-13, The Message). Forced exits, hazards to their
families, serious conflicts with parishioners, few, if any, close
friends ... are these the things that come to mind when you think about
your pastor? Unfortunately, these are just a few of the difficulties
your minister has probably faced at some point. Recent statistics
indicate that: • 40 percent of pastors claim that the lowest point in their ministry is a result of internal church problems or a poor relationship with the church board. • 91 percent of pastors know of at least three or four colleagues who have been forced out of their positions in ministry. • 80 percent believe that pastoral ministry has affected their family negatively. • 70 percent say they have a lower self-esteem than when they started in the ministry. • 70 percent do not have someone they consider a close friend. October is Clergy Appreciation Month and the perfect time for you to commit to praying for and encouraging your ministers. As Dr. Bill Bright, founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ, states: “No segment of our society is more strategic and more in need of prayer than pastors and their families. They urgently and desperately need our love, encouragement and earnest prayers.” Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, told the story of one pastor ready to leave his church: “His resignation letter typed, Pastor Keagan (a pseudonym) slipped its folds between the pages of a sermon outline and headed out the door. He walked slowly between buildings for his usual rounds to turn off lights and water, adjust the thermostat and lock doors – some of the countless, tedious, thankless jobs of a pastor. As he turned the corner of the fellowship hall, bright balloons and streamers caught his eye. He was stunned. All at once, he heard a shout from more than half his congregation. It wasn’t his birthday or his anniversary, but it was a day he will never forget. The occasion was Clergy Appreciation Month. After weeks of potlucks, letters of encouragement and prayers on his behalf, Pastor Keagan shared with his deacons a torn-up resignation letter. It wasn’t just his ministry that turned around, but the entire future of the small, 120-member congregation.” If you’re not sure how to celebrate, below are some suggestions, excerpted from the planning guide: • Host an event at which members and friends present greeting cards to each pastor’s family. • Participate in the Adopt-A-Pastor program (see note at end of article). • Plan a special appreciation service during your normal worship times on the second weekend of the month. • Plan a special banquet in honor of your pastor. • Schedule special prayer sessions for your pastors and their families. These are just a few of the many ways you can participate in Clergy Appreciation Month. Considering all our ministers do for us every day of the year, it’s time we respond as we are commanded to and “overwhelm them with appreciation and love” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13). Robert Velarde is media coordinator for Shirley Dobson and the National Day of Prayer Task Force. He is editor of the PrayerLines newsletter, co-author of a forthcoming book (InterVarsity Press) and a graduate student at Denver Seminary. For further information about CAM contact the National Day of Prayer Task Force at 1-800-444-8828. The Adopt-A-Pastor Kit is available at a special price throughout the month of October (normally $13, the kit will be available for $10). The kit contains creative suggestions and practical tools, including 12 greeting cards, prayer reminders, a journal and the Clergy Appreciation Month Planning Guide. |
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