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by Kathy Noble originally posted on resourceumc.org
No matter how humble or unassuming they may be, most people get a warm glow inside when someone says “thank you” for what they’ve done or expresses appreciation simply for who they are. Clergy and others who fill pastoral roles are no exception.
October is Pastor (or Clergy) Appreciation Month with the second Sunday designated as Pastor Appreciation Day. It is a time to say “thank you” to the people who may be most visible as preachers and teachers, but who, in reality, are on-call 24/7 standing with congregants and others to offer spiritual and other support in times of confusion and transition, times of heart-wrenching sorrow and times of overwhelming joy. They laugh, cry and pray with those whom they shepherd and serve.
Established as a worldwide recognition time in 1992, the call to honor the contributions of pastoral leaders can be traced back to Paul, who advised congregations to give “double honor” to the elders who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17, NIV).
Some staff-parish relations committees or other groups in the congregation plan ways to honor or recognize their pastors during October. Whether or not the congregation does so together, individuals can say “thank you.
Here are some ways to extend appreciation to pastors or other clergy. And, remember, these suggestions are also good for birthdays, celebrating a reappointment and other times when the congregation or individuals want to say “thank you.”
The Rev. Kathy Noble is a deacon serving at editorial manager with the leader communications team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. She works with the team producing ResourceUMC.org, The Source e-newsletter and other content to inspire and support lay and clergy leaders throughout the church.
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