For many years, October has been recognized throughout the Southern Baptist Convention and other denominations as Clergy Appreciation Month. This recognition affords church members with the reminder that their pastor and staff are appreciated and encouraged by both individual and congregational affirmation.
Jim AustinIn South Carolina, we are incredibly blessed in that we have so many godly and dedicated pastors and staff members. They have each responded to God’s call on their lives and have truly put their hands to the plow without looking back. Many of us are blessed each week to hear Bible-based sermons and lessons preached and taught by them. We are ministered to by their godly counsel and exemplary lives. We receive direction as they provide servant leadership to individuals, church families, and others. We are recipients of God’s providential intervention as they intercede for us during their times of prayer. We are comforted by them during our times of need. We share in kingdom expansion as they labor beside us in evangelism, missions and disciple-making.
I do encourage all South Carolina Baptists to take a moment this month to drop a note of appreciation, share an encouraging word, lift a special prayer, or offer a kind gesture to these choice servants of our Lord. Not only will they be blessed, but you will be blessed for providing affirmation to those whom God has placed his hand upon.
Austin is executive director-treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.