October is for Appreciating Pastors and Those Who Minister

"I've discovered that one of the most important things a pastor needs is encouragement and affirmation from his congregation."

(USA)—For those of us who attend a church, especially those who regularly are a part of their local fellowship, Citizen Link reminds us that October is Clergy Appreciation Month. (Photo: Saddleback Church-Monica Almeida/The New York Times)

This is a good time to show a little love to your pastor, who so often assumes the role of sounding-board for the problems and complaints in his or her congregation—as well as the praise reports.

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