For the decades I served local churches as appointed clergy, I would occasionally encounter acts of good will and affirmation in October. This isn’t because I wasn’t blessed to receive compliments and acts of gratitude for my pastoral efforts during other times of the year, but because October is traditionally known as Clergy Appreciation month.

The Apostle Paul often wrote in his letters to churches and communities of his appreciation for clergy and church leaders. In various biblical translations, Paul uses terms like pastor, bishop, supervisor, overseer, or priest to describe the clerical office. In 1st Timothy 3, Paul says, “Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” (NIV) He also challenges any pastoral leader to live a life that reflects the Divine ideals and habits that would come from a morally stable, Christ-centered, servant’s heart.

When answering the call to ministry vocationally it means committing to a dynamic that is unlike any other. It means being available 24/7/52/365. It means you will have to, at times, put the needs of the church or the call of the gospel above your own, as well as those of your family. It means having enough creative energy to craft and preach sermons that will reflect the meaning and purpose of scripture and how it can be applied to everyday living. It means being a trustworthy and organized administrator of money, facilities, and people. On many days, a pastor can feel as though they are expected to be all things to all people and make everyone happy. This can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting, even in the best of times.

In the spirit of Clergy Appreciation month, October is a good time to let your pastor know how much you appreciate them. Tell them you see the sacrifices they make, the ways they give all they can to care for their flock, and that you want them to take care of themselves as much as they take care of others. That last point is key to clergy mental health.

As I have traveled around our Conference the past year, I am seeing evidence of how churches are working to make sure their pastor maintains a healthy balance in meeting the demands and needs of the church, their family, and themselves. I preached at a church on the fifth Sunday in August because their leadership had decided to designate those Sundays as a holiday for their pastor…beyond their normal vacation time. It was a great chance to promote the mission and ministry of our Foundation and Development Fund, but also to support a brother in ministry who could take some mental and physical sabbath time. For even more ideas, check out this article from Wespath offering “50 Ways to Support Your Pastor”.

Serving you, serving with you,
Rev. Dr. David Weatherly
President/CEO