From: "Thomas F. Fischer" <>
To: <>
Subject: MH Clergy Appreciation Month
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 1998 07:35:29 -0400

Dear Fellow-Yoked,

Just a reminder that October is "Clergy Appreciation
Month."

Several denominations, including the Assembly of God, have made
specific efforts for their congregations to be aware of this important
affirmation opportunity.

In light of this opportunity, Ministry Health would like to present
the following thoughts.

1) If you are a denominational official, what things can be done to
promote "Clergy Appreciation Month" in the congregations of
your denomination or judicatory?

2) If you are not a member of the clergy, what things can you do to
share your affirmation with your pastors?

3) Encouraging appreciation for clergy is also an opportunity for
the affirmation of others in non-traditional ministries. The ministry of
Jesus Christ is so wonderfully diverse. Indescribable ministry happens
outside the church through innumerable people and ministries throughout
the world.

4) Other congregational staff members ought also be recognized, too.
Clergy, why not consider October a time to initiate or reciprocate
appreciation for those who faithfully share the ministry of Christ with
you?

5) Clergy Appreciation Month is also an excellent time to recognize
and thank those clergy who exercise oversight over us at all
ecclesiastical levels. This includes bishops, presidents,
superintendents as well as denominational executives and assistants in
the denominational offices. Given the remarkable pressures that they,
too, face, what things can you do to show your appreciation for their
ministries, too?

The above comments are not intended in any way to "water
down" clergy appreciation month. Instead, it is intended to set off
a chain reaction of celebration for God’s ministry among us.

The October 7, 1998 Assembly of God News noted how one congregation
appreciated their pastor. "A pastor from Ohio recalls when 34 men
from the church reshingled the roof of his house. ‘We were greatly
blessed by the tremendous outpouring of love and appreciation,’ he
says."

Finally, Clergy Appreciation Month may be an excellent time to
formally and publicly recognize and thank those who are members and lay
servants of God in our churches and ministries. Though we may (and I
feel, should) affirm them often, why not consider special ways of
celebrating and appreciating the flock which God has given you? Bulletin
and newsletter articles are just a start. The possibilities are endless!

This month, let’s start an onslaught of appreciation for God’s
ministry where we are that will continue throughout the year!

Blessings to all of you this Clergy Appreciation Month. Whoever and
wherever you are, and whatever you do in the Name of Jesus Christ, I and
Ministry Health extend our appreciation for your ministry.

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy
we have in the presence of our God because of you?" I Thess. 3:9
(NIV)

Tom

Thomas F. Fischer, M.Div., M.S.A., Editor
Ministry Health Web
Site
http://genesis.acu.edu/ministryhealth
Support For Your Ministry In Jesus Christ!