There are of course other aspects of this month that occur each year like various holidays and assorted other observances along the way. But one such event does not receive nearly enough attention – even in the very places that should honor it the most.
What is being referred to is known as Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month. It started in 1994 when a Christian organization wanted to celebrate their pastors, families and the pastoral staff in tangible ways. They agreed that pastors should be celebrated all year but set aside a month to focus more on just them. There is a biblical basis for doing so as seen in 1 Timothy 5:17. "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." This has been acted upon by one of the more well known organizations in all of Christendom as stated on their website:
“Focus on the Family believes in the significant role that pastors and their families play in the local church and community; therefore, we gladly celebrate and promote Clergy Appreciation Month. Clergy appreciation is emphasized in October, but we want to encourage you to celebrate, honor and affirm your pastor all year long. Often pastors and their families feel isolated and burnt out—often wondering if what they do makes a difference. As a ministry, we want to come alongside them and be their 'Aaron' in this generation. We want to encourage and support them, help shoulder their burdens, strengthen their families, ignite their faith and applaud their efforts.”
Also, Lifeway ministry share on their website some practical ideas on how to be involved in a worthy form of ministry by laymen (www.lifeway.com). They share 10 unique ways to get involved along theses lines.
The Bible reveals, in no uncertain terms, what the primary role of any pastor to be. In 2 Timothy 4:2-3, we find the command, “Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.”
That is the main task of the shepherd of a local flock of believers. Other things, although important, are secondary to this eternally crucial matter. But what then is the duty of those who sit under a pastor’s teaching and ministry? That is spelled out in Hebrews 13:17. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Think about that! How many will ever give account for the spiritual development of others except those called to pastoral ministry? It’s a weighty responsibility to say the least!
God knew full well the impact that could be made by faithful preachers of His word in a local body. And He knew also how difficult that task can be and how these same servants would need an occasional pat on the back to carry out their eternally valuable task. So if possible do something, anything, this month to be the embodiment of making the role of your pastor be one of joy and success as Hebrews 13:7 exhorts!
Bill Breckenridge
No comments:
Post a Comment