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The Pastor's Place. For Pastors and their families.October is Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month
by Linda Mae Baldwin (Linda's bio)
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Banners in Christian Book stores declare it, a special greeting cards section is dedicated to it, Christian Book Store flyers in the mail box publicize it, and Christian radio stations schedule special Clergy programs and great prizes for your favorite Pastor. No doubt, it is October, Clergy Appreciation month.
While I am all for a month dedicated to the appreciation of those who live sacrificially to minister to and be the spiritual leaders for others, I know the pain it can cause. The church that forgets/refuses/can't get their act together to do it/or just won't recognize the month with even a notice in the bulletin, can be especially hurtful. On top of that, when feelings are hurt because one is blatantly ignored by those they serve, guilt overwhelms. A person doesn't go into the ministry for the praise of men anyway; they are in it (hopefully) to answer a special calling God zaps them with. Right? On the other hand, try as one might, although saved and serving, we are only souls encased in skin – with fragile feelings and un-tamed temperaments which surface whether we want them to or not. It's a normal thing to get hurt feelings over un-appreciation.
If, of course, you are not inclined to suffer any ill feelings of neglect and your church regularly shows signs of appreciation or October is clearly a Clergy celebration time in your congregation, then this article is not for you. This is for the Pastor, Pastor's wife, and Pastor's kids who need to hear a word of thanks, who are maybe spiritually, emotionally, or physically weary. For those who wonder if their calling was real and weekly ponder the benefits of their ministry to those listen. This is for you.
The first official Pastor Appreciation month happened while my husband, Lance, was senior Pastor of a growing church. The month went by as every other year, completely unobserved by anyone in our congregation. While the absence of acknowledgement seemed to not bother Lance, I was hurt and angry. Sure, some members may have felt special thanks is ridiculous. Pastors get a paycheck just like everyone else. Nobody ever thanked the congregation member for doing their job. However, the majority of those folks got bonuses and incentives. And, most are not on call twenty-four seven.
Others may simply wait so long for someone else to take the initiative that the Sundays fly by with nothing being done. Then, there are those who will recognize with a manipulative gushy sort of thing. These are the folks you'd rather would forget the occasion, because they will repeatedly remind you of their humble gift in months to come.
This year, I hope more than one person remembers to thank you with a hug, card, sincere handshake or something similar. If not, let this be thanks enough:
Thank you for preaching when you're tired, praying when you're ill, ministering when you desperately need some time alone. Thank you for using your spiritual gifts for our Lord's kingdom. Thank you. You are appreciated.
I wanted to make sure you know how very much you are appreciated. Thank you for loving the Lord so much. You sacrificially give your time, husband's talents and love to the church you serve. Thank you for the many times you've blinded back tears when you're loved one's (husband, children, yourself), were unfairly judged or condemned. Thank you for the many, many times you've held back your words, the times you didn't retaliate when you were clearly in the right, those times you wanted to scream but to prevent further trouble, you shut up. Thank you for the tears you've shed on what may be an ungrateful congregation for your husband, who may seem to continually put others before your family. Thank you for continuing, even when life seems so grim. You are appreciated.
You have a special place in my heart. I know how mean and uncaring church people can be at times. Your feelings may be so confusing to you. Maybe you feel a little jealous about having to share you dad with others all the time. I hope you tell your mom and dad about these feelings. They want to know what you're going through. Most of all, I want to tell you how very much you are loved. You are prayed for and appreciated more than you know. People in your church love you too. Find out who these are, and make some special friends.
October is Pastor Appreciation month. It is my wish someone in your life sends you a card, writes a letter or gives you a hug. But, if not, keep on in the Lord, keep on in your love for His people and ministry.
And, remember, you are appreciated October and every month.
Copyright 2002, Linda Mae Baldwin. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
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About Linda Mae Baldwin: Linda Mae Baldwin has ministered in churches in various capacities since 1983, when her husband answered the call to the Pastorate. The author of various plays, inspirational readings, and short stories, she currently also writes reviews for the iUniverse.com CWWC site. Although no longer in vocational ministry, Linda Mae's heart is to minister to pastors, their wives and children. E-mail Linda Mae |
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