Commentary: Clergy Appreciation Month – by Don Kirkland

Clergy Appreciation Month is observed nationally each October. Throughout the nation and across the broad spectrum of Christian denominations, congregations choose a variety of ways to honor their pastors and other ministers on their staffs – as well as their families.

Kirkland

The clergy are those set apart from the laity for special ministry in obedience to God’s call upon their lives. God has given to them the holy assignment of tending to the spiritual well-being of their flocks. It is an assignment of priceless value to the building of the kingdom of God here on earth through the church of Jesus the Christ.

The month, however, should be more than a time to show appreciation for the clergy; it also is a time for each church member to be aware of the incredible pressures endured by our ministers. Thankfully, many, and perhaps most, church members are aware of these pressures and respond in ways that relieve those burdens that cannot be removed.

It often is said that ministers and their families live in a fishbowl, with every move they make visible to their congregations and to others. If their lives are lived close to the people they serve, their actions and attitudes will be under observation. This goes with the territory. They should not, however, be held to standards that would put their humanity in question. Unrealistic expectations of the clergy and their families will lead only to disappointment and a host of other emotions that most ministers and their families do not deserve and, in the long run, will not be able to bear.

Years ago, I attended a special service for a pastor who was retiring and was beloved by his congregation. In response to a variety of expressions of appreciation from church leaders and others, the veteran pastor told of the joy that had been his by serving for some three decades as pastor of a church that was “determined that its pastor would not fail.” It is a wonderful thing that a pastor could say about his congregation, and it is a supportive and loving congregation that can elicit such praise from its pastor.

Members of the clergy who are obedient to their calls, and rightly related to their congregations, work tirelessly to give spiritual direction to their churches as a body while giving needed attention to the needs of individual members. This can be done at great personal expense, taking a heavy toll on physical, emotional and spiritual well-being that sooner or later will do damage both to clergy and congregation.

Author H.B. London, who wrote a book of devotions entitled “Pause, Recharge, Refresh,” views the clergy as an “endangered species.” It is because of their “servants’ hearts” that they give themselves to their ministries. His devotional book aims at “reminding pastors daily of how special they are in this world and in the kingdom of God – and how important it is to take care of themselves.”

London believes the purpose of Clergy Appreciation Month is not to put ministers on a pedestal, but to create an awareness among church members of the value of the clergy and the divine nature of their call.

Speaking to ministers, he emphasizes, “Your people should not look for ways to exalt you, but to celebrate God’s special assignment for you.”

As ministers ponder all of this, it is necessary to look to our Lord as our example. By following his lead, ministers can develop a way of doing his work while remaining mentally, physically and spiritually vital without doing harm to themselves or to those served.

Someone has compared the Christian life (listen laity, it’s about you, too) to “breathing in and out – breathing in for strength and breathing out for service.”

Jesus was constantly “giving out” during his itinerant ministry that never lacked for crowds to be taught or individuals to be healed. The ministry of Jesus was short on time, and he knew it. Still, he realized the need to withdraw from the crowds and gather his physical, mental and spiritual strength. He had an intimate relationship with his Heavenly Father that we cannot fathom fully. Our Lord understood and lived a life of giving out and taking in. And so should every member of the clergy.

It is true, as author London said, that the clergy should not be put on pedestals during October or any month of the year. For any who are atop a pedestal, either by their own design or by the desire of the congregation, a fall is imminent.

Our ministers deserve our respect, our prayerful support, our willingness to follow wise leadership, our care and concern for their needs, and our steadfast friendship.

There is a biblical basis for Clergy Appreciation Month found in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. The apostle Paul writes in one of his early letters, “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. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.”

Every church and each member of that congregation should give recognition, affirmation and encouragement to its ministers during this observance of Clergy Appreciation Month. In fact, make it your practice to appreciate your ministers each day all year long, and watch the difference it makes in their lives – and in yours, too.