Clergy Appreciation Day
Sunday, October 13, 2002
by Richard A. Hunt, M.Div., Ph.D. 

Dr. Richard Hunt is senior professor of psychology in Fuller's Graduate School of Psychology.

While I was pastor of two rural churches years ago, the lay leaders announced there would be a pounding of the pastor (me!!).  Being from the city, my wife and I were not sure we wanted to be "pounded" (i.e., thinking this meant hit upon, criticized, pressured, etc.).  When the scheduled social gathering arrived, much to our surprise many parishioners arrived bringing a "pound" (often more) of beans, meat, bread, butter, fruit, supplies, and many other items that each said in warm ways "we appreciate you."

Let us use the word APPRECIATE as an acrostic reminder to express our thanks, gratitude, support, and encouragement to our clergy, staff, and their families in their many ministries.  If you prefer, add your own key words to guide you in expressing your appreciation to your pastor, staff (both paid and volunteer), and other clergy you know.

May the Lord's sustaining grace continue to support and nourish every clergy person who is serving as part of the body of Christ in the world.  Among many biblical guides to action in showing appreciation to our clergy are themes as noted from the letter to the Romans and other scriptures.

Attitude  Take a positive approach to your pastor, staff, and other clergy.  Don't allow others to squeeze you into being negative. Every clergy person has several strengths and some challenges to grow  (not "weaknesses").  Offer your clergy a "cookie" – surround criticism with  positive encouragement before and after a suggestion for improvement. (Rom. 12:1-21)

Prayer Pray for your clergy and staff every day. Pray for all clergy  wherever they are in the world who proclaim the good news of Christ's love.  Let the power of the Lord God work through you. (Rom. 8:25-28; 15:30-33) 

Praise  Compliment your clergy in public for their positives – "an inspiring sermon," "your call helped a lot," "you live what you preach"   However, share negatives about your pastor or staff person in private with that person.  Remember, it takes at least five positive comments to balance one negative comment. (Rom. 1:1-17)

Resources   Show your support for your pastor and staff by being trained, prepared, and ready with a willing attitude for service when the need arises.  Encourage your clergy's vision by finding needed money and facilitating administrative decisions to implement goals that produce good works for Christ.   (Rom. 16:1-27)

Empathy  Be sensitive to the pressures and stress that your clergy have between their call to ministry career and their call to their family.  Encourage their adequate self care.  Share your sensitive and supportive care to the important persons in your clergy's family network – spouse, children, and other relatives and friends.   (Rom. 14:1-23)

Community   Foster the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) and build on the strengths among all in the church and community.  Encourage your clergy with positive relationships that strengthen the church as the body of Christ in the world. (Rom.15:1-6; Gal. 5:22-23)

Inspire  Encourage your clergy and staff to breathe in the fresh renewing power of the Holy Spirit to re-ignite their firm conviction that nothing can separate us from God's love.  Support and enable them to find and use effective ways to cope with stress, burnout, temptations, depression, finances, and other challenges.    (Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 4:7-18) 

Approve   Support high standards of ethics for your clergy and staff as a guide to making all their actions demonstrate integrity and honesty.  Together be clear about professional standards and quality skills, then support them in their accomplishments as well as learning from mistakes and failures.  (Rom.15:7-21)

Time   Visit, telephone, or e-mail your clergy TODAY to add your gifts ("pounds") of appreciation for their ministries, faithfulness, and presence among you. Be faithful stewards of your clergy's available time.  Respect appropriate boundaries because you want your pastors and staff to be available to those most in need.  (Rom.13:11-14) 

Educate   Provide time and expenses to enable your pastor and staff to get additional knowledge, practice, and nurture through continuing education events, workshops, and renewal.  Give thoughtful feedback and encourage good coaching.  Help keep things going when they need to be away for updating skills and learning new ministries.  (Rom. 7:1-25)