“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

      Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4: 7-16; ESV

 

The Scriptures above shows requirements for clergy (as well as all believers). I personally strive to live by these each and every moment of my life. The precious gift I have as a pastor is one I cherish dearly and do not take lightly; nor should I. In order to best serve God and my congregation, those who read my articles, those whom I work with in my secular job, my family and friends, and those whom are strangers to me (for the moment). I have a great responsibility that often requires a great deal of time and preparation. Sermons don’t just happen; they are inspired by God to speak to the hearts of not only the pastor but also to those who hear the Word. And as one is a hearer of the Word, we are called to become doers of the Word.

Clergy have a very difficult calling. Their lives have more scrutiny than the candidates for the presidency; everything they do (or their family) is judged and judged again. People will hold them to the highest standards and often expect the impossible from them. However, clergy sometimes will not be thought of as regular people. Clergy have faults, fears and make poor choices from time to time. Their families are not perfect and their children do get into trouble. Yet, many believe that clergy are to be perfect in every way: always having the right words to say, always to be there at the beckoned call, to do whatever is asked of them and their families. And of many of the clergy I personally know, we all try to do all we can for our flocks and even more than expected; with clergy doing many good things behind the scenes.

I am not writing this to place clergy on a pedestal, because I am not. I am writing this because clergy need a kind word from time to time as an encouragement to continue on. I am writing this because clergy need to know that what service they are giving to the Lord are bearing fruit and that people are being blessed by their service. It gives clergy the ability to present God with living sacrifices: your lives. What clergy do is not for their own glory (that is to say a clergy who is truly called by God to serve; those who serve themselves, I believe, are not called by God), but for the glory of God. Clergy walk with us as we go through death, they bless and anoint us as we are born, they counsel us when we have hard times, they give of themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. They are on call round the clock and answer that call each and every time they possibly can. They help our marriages, love us when we feel unloved, and accept us regardless.

I have a challenge for you: if your life has been touched by clergy; whether it was a sermon they gave, them being there for you during a tragic time in your life, if they helped you in any way, if they wrote something that encouraged you, or whatever, please let them know how much you appreciate them. Here is what I propose for you:

  1. Attend their church service this Sunday – let them know you support their ministry. Tell them how you feel.
  2. Write them a note or send a card.
  3. Let them know you are praying for them; we REALLY need this!
  4. Spend time with them – they love social interaction with those they serve!
  5. Be creative – do what God has put on your heart. God knows their every need.

 

Even those of you who are not “church goers”: if a clergy has touched your life in any way, you too can let them know. Many times, we as clergy do not see how far the Word we preach reaches out.

It is our hope and desire as clergy to bring you all to a closer relationship with God, with your families, and with one another. We strive to present the Word of God to you with the integrity and power it deserves. We live for sharing grace and forgiveness that we ourselves have received from God. It is our joy to walk with you in each phase of life; from birth unto death and everything in between. We, as clergy, thank all of you for allowing us to be your clergy. We are also blessed by the service we give – not because of the service we give but because YOU allow us to fulfill our calling.

Father God,

For those of us whom You have called to be clergy, we thank You for our callings. It is our humble honor to serve You. For those we serve; we ask a special blessing for them. Reach out and meet their needs. Please bless us as we strive to honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.