October is Clergy Appreciation Month
Have you heard of Buy a Priest a Beer Day? It’s September 9. What about World Priest Day? That’s October 24. I’m sure there are more (and if you know of others, comment below!), but did you know that Clergy Appreciation Day is October 10? That’s coming up--like, soon!
Please don’t take this as “tooting my own horn” as a member of the clergy. I didn’t know about Clergy Appreciation Month or Day until a couple of years ago, when colleagues were posting about it on social media. And after the last 18 months, clergy deserve some gratitude.
I have heard people say that clergy shouldn’t make a big deal about being thanked because ministry is a calling and because ministry is rewarding. And yes, ministry IS rewarding and ministry IS a calling. But it is also labor--emotional labor, spiritual labor, mental labor, and yes, even physical labor (my college pastors always joked about one qualification for ordination being moving chairs--SO. TRUE.) And all people deserve to be paid for their labor. Also, in most mainline traditions, ordained clergy are required to go through seminary and other professional trainings to gain skills and qualifications prior to ordination. And clergy deserve to be paid for that expertise, as well.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t know any clergy personally who are out here getting rich from people’s tithes. (And don’t get me started on clergy taxes!) Most clergy I know live modestly, and more than a few struggle making ends meet...precisely because they are called to ministry, and would rather live their calling than pursue another career in a higher-paying field.
But beyond being paid fairly for their labor, clergy also deserve to hear about how their life and ministry are making a difference. Ministry is not a 9-5 job. Sometimes it’s not even a 9-9 job. As with many helping careers, ministry isn’t something that you can turn off and put away before you go home for the day (not to mention the last 18 months of many of us working from home). Speaking for myself, I often find myself mulling over a congregational conversation or a decision, even as I am sitting on the couch watching Ted Lasso with my partner. I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for a church program. I brainstorm how to get our youth group on a hike together while working out at the gym. I spend hours reading articles and books and listening to podcasts that will be useful in my ministry context. And when a congregant is dealing with something hard, or a church conversation is causing tension among my flock, my heart carries that with me wherever I go.
I am not complaining. I love being in ministry. I want to be in this field for a long time. But there are hidden costs of ministry, and many ways that clergy in your life are most likely working beyond the 40-hour week, and many ways that ministry from the heart cannot be quantified.
So I invite you to celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month. If a clergy person has shown up for you, via phone call or email or texting or in-person visits, let them know. If you ever felt like a preacher was preaching TO YOU (you know what I mean), let them know. If you ever saw the shadows under a pastor’s eyes, even though they tried to cover it up with a perky smile while on Zoom over the past year, let them know you see them and you are witnessing all the work they are putting into supporting your community.
And to my colleagues: I see you. I love you. I am grateful to be in this work with you. Thank you for answering the call.
Let’s Chat!
Clergy, what do you like to receive in honor of your ministry? Gift cards for coffee? Prayers and (virtual) hugs? A kind letter? A sweet-smelling candle for your office? Comment below!
And laypeople, for what do you give thanks for the clergy in your life? How have clergy helped or encouraged or showed up for you? Share your experiences in a comment!
Here are some ideas for gifts for clergy, if that’s something you are considering. But also, a kind and thoughtful email and card will go a long way. <3
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