Celebrate Pastors During Clergy Appreciation Month

 by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor

It's also a great time to encourage them to get involved politically.

Every October, congregations across the nation set aside time to honor their pastors for their hard work and sacrificial dedication. It's time to do that again.

"As a pastor myself for over three decades, I know firsthand both how difficult and how rewarding it can be to serve a congregation," said H.B. London, vice president of church and clergy ministries at Focus on the Family. "I've discovered that one of the most important things a pastor needs is encouragement and affirmation from his congregation."

London and his team have put together a planning guide and downloadable resources to help you honor your pastor. You also can download an audio message from London.

In addition to saying, "Thank you," it's a great time to let pastors know how they can be involved in the political arena and speak biblical truth on the moral issues of the day.

Constitutional Protections for Pastors outlines what pastors can and can't do as they get involved. It was released this week by Focus on the Family, the Alliance Defense Fund, Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America and the James Madison Center for Free Speech.

“American pastors have a long tradition of providing their congregations with a biblical perspective on current events," said Tom Minnery, senior vice president of government and public policy at Focus on the Family. "From encouraging colonists to participate in the American Revolution to speaking out against the immorality of slavery, pastors have helped U.S. citizens navigate the waters of political issues.

"Not only is this a basic constitutional right, but the numbers show the majority of Americans believe churches and other houses of worship should speak out on social issues.”

Source: http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005616.cfm