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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