Appreciation for the men and women of God

October is Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month. This is the time that we show our appreciation for the men and women of God who have dedicated themselves to a life of ministry.

For many ministers, this month is one of the few times their congregations or the individuals they serve express thanks and gratitude.

How do we honor our pastors and leaders who have dedicated their lives to this worthwhile cause?

Financial blessings, cards of gratitude, food, words of affirmation, and various expressions of kindness are wonderful ways to show our appreciation.

Here is a secret that many pastors want you to know but are apprehensive to tell you. Above the honorariums and the potlucks and the cards there is one thing that shows the utmost appreciation to pastors, clergy, and leaders.

Your support throughout the year not just in October is the ultimate expression of appreciation.

We must come to the realization that the calling of a minister to serve a congregation is not one that is taken lightly. The ministers are in this profession, not to get rich, but rather to make a difference in the world.

Your pastors do more than just preach a message on a Sunday.

They answer the 2 a.m. calls that occur when a family is in distress.

They make the visitations to the hospitals and the care centers that are often not seen by others.

They deal with difficult situations and difficult people.

They field criticism and complaints from people about things that are outside of the minister’s control but are expected to be dealt with immediately in a way they see fit.

They are expected to show compassion, love, respect, and honor to those they serve oftentimes not receiving that in return.

Your pastors realize that the things they are doing yield eternal results.

On Sundays, your pastors are not just saying what comes to their head. They have sought for inspiration from the Holy Spirit to speak what needs to be spoken.

They have prayed for you, the congregation, to hear and apply what they are teaching.

They have studied the Word of God and tried with due diligence to rightly divide the Scripture.

Your pastor wants you to know that while they understand the importance of rest, vacation, sleeping in, and just enjoying a Sunday, church attendance needs to be a priority because ultimately the Word will help you more than a trip to the lake or an extra hour to sleep in.

Pastors are not judging you because they know it is not their job to do that, but their hearts do break for you and your family when they see you struggle.

That’s why they continue to call you and text you and ask if everything is OK.

Men and women of God sacrifice their time, talent, and their treasure to help those they serve succeed.

The Apostle Paul says that the man of God is worth double honor.

I challenge each and every one of you to make the effort to show your appreciation all year-round especially in October.

Make church a priority. Show your minister you value what they do by listening and applying the lessons and precepts they are teaching.

Be slow to criticize and be quick to ask questions. Do not allow yourself to give ear to gossip or insults.

Be a peacemaker. Do give words of affirmation, honorariums, and expressions of gratitude.

Let them see the true appreciation you have for them all year-round.