Worthy of double honor

Clergy Appreciation Month has been celebrated in October since its inception by Hallmark Cards in 1992, although they did not create cards for the occasion until 2002. According to Hallmark, the celebration was created to encourage and uplift pastors, missionaries and religious workers. It is also known as Pastors’ Appreciation Month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2016 estimates there are 49,320 clergypersons in the United States.

Clergy appreciation

Many clergypersons (especially pastors) keep office hours, but the reality is that most are “on call” 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Pastors are most often expected to be available to their congregants at a moment’s notice, and many pastors themselves feel it is part of their “calling” to be easily accessible. Both pastors and congregants must come to the realization (and usually do) that no human being can be constantly accessible to others and remain physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy. Many denominations now emphasize — and some even require — that pastors take sabbaths and sabbaticals. It is one way to show concern and appreciation for the tremendous service performed by faithful pastors.

How beautiful are the feet . . .

The apostle Paul expressed in 1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV): “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” While October is officially Clergy Appreciation Month, wise and truly appreciative congregations and individual members will show appreciation and give honor to their pastors and members throughout the year. Paul stresses that those who preach and teach especially deserve appreciation. Why? The Bible contains good news of great joy! The Old Testament foretells that a Savior is coming, and the New Testament proclaims Christ’s birth, teachings, death and coming again that we who believe may have eternal life. “How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the good news” (Romans 10:15b). We should continuously bless those beautiful feet!

Question of the day: Why should you show appreciation to clergy?
Focal scriptures: Jeremiah 3:15; Ephesians 4:11-12; John 10:2-5

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.