October is Clergy Appreciation Month, and Sunday, October 13 is Clergy Appreciation Day. This celebration is an opportunity to honor the approximately 50,000 ministers, priests, rabbis, and chaplains across the United States.
Most members of the clergy aren’t well-known. They don’t speak to large audiences on TV or podcasts, or minister to huge congregations. The average pastor shepherds a church of fewer than 100 people – and most have to hold down a second job to pay the bills. Their personal struggles are usually magnified because they’re not only facing their own challenges they’re helping you to face yours. Nevertheless, these men and women love serving God, their churches, and their communities.
But that is no easy task. Ministry is often a thankless job. Clergy members don’t receive much credit for all they do. They inspire people to live with greater integrity. They stand for truth in a world that’s confused. And they offer hope for this world while pointing to the hope of the world to come.
Clergy Appreciation offers you a chance to minister to those who minister to you. A short note and a gift card only take a moment to deliver – but they may encourage your pastor for weeks. Even a simple “thank you” may help refuel their passion for ministry.
However you go about it, honor your pastors. Let them know how much you appreciate their faithful service and devotion to God. And to you.
