TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

Two Words That Can Change A Life

ADVERTISEMENT

JERRY WAUGH

Guest columnist

Published: October 12, 2008

Doesn't it make you feel good when someone expresses appreciation to you by saying "Thank you?"

There are several people to whom I can say those two words: a school teacher at Spring Hill Elementary; a band director at West Hernando Middle School; a group of singing "Harmonizers" who "adopted" my teenage son as one of their own; my doctor who treats me like a person instead of an insurance policy number; a listening and genuinely caring friend; and the list goes own. It has been said: "Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary" (Meister Eckhart).

I'm not sure who is on your "thank-you" list but if you are connected with a church, I hope your minister is somewhere on that list. October is national "Clergy Appreciation Month" and October 12 is suggested as "Clergy Appreciation Sunday." This month, you have the opportunity to make the day, or even lift the life, of your minister by taking the time to express appreciation.

A minister is someone who tries to make a difference in people's lives. During Clergy Appreciation Month, you can make a difference in the life of your minister. Here are just three practical ways you can do this:

One, let your minister know you are praying for him. One of the statements I appreciate hearing most from people at the church I serve is, "Pastor, you are in our prayers each week (some people say "every day")". Of course, they could be praying that I preach better sermons (or at least shorter ones)! I honestly believe that one reason I have not become another sad clergy burn-out or moral failure statistic is because of the prayers of the people I lead and serve (I am always aware that "But for the grace of God, that could happen to me."). Ministers battle temptations just like everyone else. If the spiritual adversary can take down a spiritual leader, he can do major damage elsewhere.

Most ministers work hard to make weekend worship services a meaningful time; and yet after the service, they might feel like a contestant on American Idol about to have the service judged by Paula, Randy, and Simon. The Paula's usually loved the service. The Randy's have a mixed bag about the service — parts he liked, parts he didn't like. You can guess what the Simon's say about the service!

Because a minister can experience disappointment and discouragement just like anyone else, they need your prayers. A minister also needs your prayers because they live under incredible pressures. In addition to their regular responsibilities, people often share with a minister what they don't share with anyone else. They might have a smile on their face on Sundays, but the rest of the week they carry a lot of burdens on their heart.

A second practical way you can say "thank you" to your minister this month is to express your appreciation in writing. A spoken compliment is always appreciated but a written one can be read a second or third time. So, whatever you appreciate about your minister, write a note this month and let him or her know.

Sometimes, people expect a minister to preach like Billy Graham, teach like David Jeremiah, tell a funny story like Chuck Swindoll, and yet, make hospital visits and take the time to talk through a problem like, well, a local minister. Most ministers realize we are not a Graham, Jeremiah or Swindoll. But God didn't call us to be — He called us to be who we are. Even though we may have never written a book or been on radio or TV, most ministers do their best for God and for those they are called to serve every week. So why not make their day by sending a note, letter, or card of something you appreciate about your minister?

One other way you can say "thank you" to your minister this month is to express appreciation, if possible, in some tangible way with the congregation. It doesn't have to be a trip to Hawaii or the Holy Land — it can be something as affordable as a gift certificate to a local restaurant. In this case — it's really not the cost that counts but the thought that counts most.

Whatever way you choose to say "thank you" this month, know that a church family's words of expression not only encourage a minister but can renew him like the Energizer Bunny with enthusiasm and energy for continued service. The Bible says 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: "And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders, who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love."

By the way, two other people to thank this month are the minister's spouse and the other staff ministers. Like the minister, the minister's wife does much and carry's much that is never highlighted in the weekly bulletin. If your church has other staff ministers, be sure to acknowledge and thank them this month as well. Churches would never be able to do everything they do without the work and leadership of the other staff ministers.

We have more than 64 ministers in Hernando County, along with several other staff ministers and their spouses. I hope they will all receive a big "thank you" this month from the people they love, lead and serve.

Shirley Dobson, wife of best-selling author, James Dobson, has stated, "Our pastors are on the front lines … I have a very tender heart for pastors, because they've been there for all of us when we have been in times of crisis – when we've been in times of suffering … we owe these pastors a debt of gratitude." If Shirley is right, sometime in October, make the day of your pastor, priest, or rabbi by taking the time to say "Thank you." Remember, appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.

The Rev. Jerry Waugh is senior pastor of the Northcliffe Baptist Church in Spring Hill. He can be contacted at 352-683-5882.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT