The Importance of Clergy Appreciation Day

This is the time of year that is marked by a large percentage of the holidays. From Labor Day on, we move quickly through Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, and Halloween. Then, of course, the larger more anticipated holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas are close behind. One of the lesser known holidays which, despite its name does not get much appreciation, is Clergy Appreciation Day (2nd Sunday in October). This atypical holiday is not on most calendars, and most likely not celebrated much outside of the church. Notwithstanding its unofficial status it serves as a good reminder for us to recall what the scripture requires of us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Paul calls us to respect and honor those who are in leadership over us in the Lord. We are to “hold them in the highest regard in love” because of what they do. Again in 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul tells us to give “double honor” to those leading the church.

I can think of at least four practices we can adopt to honor our leaders in the faith. One of the first things we can do, and probably the most important, is to pray for them. Praying is essential to the Christian walk and reaps great blessings, some of which we may never know until we are in heaven. We should not just pray for our ministers and leaders but also for their families. Second, we should strive to live peacefully with one another.  In fact, to be at peace is concomitant with the command to highly esteem our leaders in 1 Thessalonians 5:13. Working peacefully with each other brings unity and creates a warm environment for the children of God to grow. Third, we can honor our church leaders by serving in the house of God. By utilizing our spiritual giftedness for the strengthening of the church body, we relieve from our leaders the burden of having to personally meet every need of the church or of struggling to motivate others to step up and serve. The gifts God has graciously given us are intended to produce a fully functioning and powerful Body of Christ. Fourth, we need to grow spiritually in our relationship with Christ. One of the best ways to honor our church leaders is to be the person that they have been teaching and encouraging us to be. I imagine one of the greatest joys our ministers have is seeing their church grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

These few suggestions (and there are many more) will go a long way in honoring our church leaders as the scripture instructs and as we celebrate Clergy Appreciation Day this month.

—Andrew Hudson lives in McKinney, TX, with his wife and two children.

 Email:  or_magen@yahoo.com