October has been designated “Clergy Appreciation Month.” Pastors enrich our lives while sacrificing their own time to help others in need. They are on call

24/7 for those in pain, crisis and even in death. What a comfort your pastor is at those painful times.

            Pastors endure a lot of stress, criticism and sometimes ridicule. Yet because of God’s calling they still hang in there while ministering to hurting souls. Psalm 105:15 states: “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” (KJV)

            I’m so grateful for ministers. What would we do without them? Ministers and their wives live in a world where the job never gets done. There is always another Bible study, sermon to prepare, funeral, hospital visit or anything else the situation requires.

            In this world of darkness and apathy, I thank courageous pastors for upholding the truth of God’s Word without compromising or rationalizing.

            Let’s support our ministers with our appreciation and concern. Let them know beyond a shadow of a doubt they and their families are loved, supported and lifted up

by their congregation.

            Here are some suggestions to honor those servants of the Lord who minister to you, but don’t stop here. Let your imagination lead you.

1.      Write an open letter to our local paper, telling of your appreciation for your pastor.

2.      Have a “card shower.” Send them to the pastor and his family.

3.      Purchase a plaque with this inscription: “IN DEEP APPRECIATION TO (PASTOR’S NAME) AND HIS FAMLY FOR UNSELFISH COMMITMENT TO THE BODY OF JESUS CHRIST AT (CHURCH NAME.) CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH OCTOBER 2008”

4.      Plan a special Clergy Appreciation Service.

5.      Present your pastor with a special gift, signed by as many people as possible. Consider simple gifts such as a new pair of shoes, a new suit, a new set of tires, a gift certificate to a local bookstore, or a weekend trip for the pastor and his wife to a resort or hotel.

6.      Urge the Sunday School groups to make creative messages. Have the pastor visit for a “Ceremony of Gratitude.”

7.      Set up a “leafless tree” that can be decorated with a variety of small gifts, such as a favorite treat, (Chocolate chip cookies, candy, hobby items, small envelopes with personal certificates.)

8.      Schedule and pay for a family portrait sitting.

9.      Schedule a church dinner or picnic to celebrate the day.

10.  Make a surprise banner of appreciation such as “Pastor, we love you!” Display it in his office.

11.  Invite a special speaker to conduct worship and give your pastor an official “off day.”

12.  Schedule special prayer sessions to pray specifically for your pastors and their families.

Clergy Appreciation Month is not about glorifying a man. It is merely an

opportunity to recognize and encourage those whom God has called to proclaim His message and to lead His people.

            I go back to Exodus 17:12 and read again the importance of cooperation. Moses had ordered Joshua to choose men to go out to fight the Amalekites. “Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”

            As long as Moses held up his hands the Israelites were winning. When his hands were tired and he lowered them the Amalekites were winning. So Aaron and Hur put a stone under Moses to sit on and they held Moses’ hands up, one on one side and one on the other. His hands remained steady till sunset and God’s people won.

Your “hands” support your pastor in many ways.

Honor your pastor in the month of October. He will be blessed and so will you.