Sunday, October 7, 2001
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Sunday, October 7, 2001 |
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Clergy Appreciation Month: A good opportunity to encourage By
DR. DAVID L. CHANCEY
At the risk of sounding somewhat presumptuous to the church family I serve, I want to remind our area congregations that the annual Clergy Appreciation Month is upon us. Several years ago, James Dobson and his Focus on the Family organization kicked off this emphasis to be observed each October. After several years of watching pastoral stress and burnout escalate across all denominational lines, Dobson's group decided to lead an effort to show appreciation to these valuable leaders who are so vital to our spiritual growth. Most pastors I know are serious about their calling. They feel that God led them to the ministry in general, and to their specific church family in particular. They are dedicated, devoted, capable, compassionate persons who work hard and want to do a good job. They love the Lord and they love their church and they love being in the ministry, most of the time. There are built-in challenges, however, that many parishioners may not understand. Time management is always tough. Ministers want to "be there" to give support and show interest in their members, but they can't be everywhere at the same time. They want to do a good job in the pulpit, but they realize that there is only one Billy Graham and they probably aren't his successor. Plus, there's what is called "the tyranny of the Sabbath." Like the term paper deadline that used to hang over you in school, that sermon must be ready for Sunday morning no matter what else happens during the week. They want to minister to needs, but they can't read minds. They want to help and enable, but sometimes people won't let them. Another challenge is managing expectations, their own self-imposed and the congregation's. We live in a consumer-driven, entertainment-oriented culture, and people have high expectations. Someone wrote, "A pastor is expected to make house calls as willingly as yesterday's country doctor; to shake hands and smile like a politician on the campaign trail; to entertain like a stand-up comedian; to teach the scriptures like a theology professor; and to counsel like a psychologist with the wisdom of Solomon. He should run the church like a top-level business executive, handle finances like a career accountant, and deal with the public like an expert diplomat at the United Nations." No wonder someone wrote a book about ministerial stress entitled, "The Walk On Water Syndrome." Ministers are only human, and they are as prone to imperfection as anybody else. But most have their heart in the right place and certainly mean well. And they care about their work. And they care for you. How can you show support? First, let your pastor be himself. Don't expect him to be like some former pastor or to be like your favorite pastor from your childhood. Accept him for who he is. Second, let him be your friend. Friendship is one of the rich blessings of life. Share this blessing with your pastor. Third, let your pastor be your pastor. Any relationship is a two-way street, and your pastor can be your pastor only is you accept him and allow him to minister to you. Fourth, stand with him through thick and thin. How can you show appreciation? Dobson's people suggest sending a card, giving a gift certificate, taking your minister to lunch, sending the minister and spouse to dinner, giving them a weekend away, honoring all of your ministers at a churchwide "We love you" banquet. Send roses to his wife for being such a good supporter. The greatest thing you can do for your ministers can be expressed year-round. Pray for them, stand with them, protect them from unnecessary stress, and give of yourself through your own investment in the life of the church through involvement and positive support. Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor of McDonough Road Baptist Church, 352 McDonough Road in Fayetteville. Everyone is invited this Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m.
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