Lessons from theHeart
Pastor Appreciation Day
By Pastor Eric J. Haley

Eric J. Haley is pastor at Calvary Chapel Carroll County.

Oct. 14 is the Sunday set aside for Clergy/Pastor Appreciation Day in 2007, but if you miss that Sunday, the entire month of October has also been officially set aside to honor your pastor. Of course if you miss the month of October, you still have 11 other months to do it.

Though I can't say I've often wondered about the history of this special day, I did just check the internet to see if such a history was available- just curious, you know, wondering if by any chance this day came about through a grassroots effort and not, as I suspected, a product of the holiday card and floral delivery industry.

According to Hallmark, it appears that "officially" the observance began in 1992, but justwhich officialmade it official, it didn't say. I happen to remember appreciating my pastor long before that, though I really don't remember if therewere any particular days thatwe did particular things to showthat appreciation.

I think it was well said at one website that pastor appreciation is an attitude, not an event. If this is true, and I think it's true in my congregation, I would say, go ahead- blessmewith an attitude. I don't think there's anything more special to a pastor than a congregation with a good attitude.

I knowpeople like to give gifts, and honestly, I like receiving them, but if a person asked me what I would like best for Pastor Appreciation Day, I would say without hesitation, "To see you at church on Sunday," and for icing on the cake, "Bring a friend."

You see, it surprisesme to read that according to The Barna Research Group, 47 percent of American adults attend church in a typical weekend, not including a special event such as awedding or a funeral. (2005). That seems a little high to me.

Barna also reports that 84 percent ofAmericans describe themselves as Christians. (2006). If that's so, theremay be asmany as 37 percent of themwho aren't attending church on a regular basis.

Of course, I know there are many reasons why people don't attend church. Some have to work, others are disabled and not able to get out of the house without great effort. But I have heard it also reported that one of the most common reasons why people don't go to church is that no one has asked them. Sounds like some of them are people whowould even consider themselves Christians. I would like to see that change. That would be one of the best PastorAppreciation gifts imaginable.

Awhile back, another pastor shared some sound advice with me. "Don't just teach," he said. "Share with others what God is teaching you." I've taken that advice to heart and as I begin to study for each Sundaymorning's message, I ask God to teach me through His Word. When I've completed my study time and notes, I find I'mexcited about the opportunity to teach what the Lord has taughtme. For this reason, I hope and pray to be able to share what I've learned with as many people as possible.

Tome there's nothingmore rewarding than to be at church on Sunday morning with as many people as are willing to come, with attitudes that are inspiring, Bibles open, and a friend by their side.

An old 70's song by Love Song said, "Accept Him with your whole heart, and use your own two hands. With one, reach out to Jesus, and with the other, bring a friend."

That would make me feel appreciatedmore than anything else I can think of.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Rom:10:14 (NKJV)