By Carolyn Tomlin
Contributing writer, Baptist and Reflector
Jerry Welch, pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church, Jackson, says parents should set an example for honoring their pastor. He notes that the late Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, once said, “The family goes home from church and has ‘roast’ pastor for lunch. Kids need to see their parents show respect.” Welch adds, “Raise your children in the church. Respect the leaders God has chosen.”
The history of appreciating those God ordained goes back to Bible times. The apostle Paul wrote that the church elders were worthy of a double honor, especially preaching and teaching (I Timothy 5:17). In I Thessalonians 5:12-13, he stated that those who God has chosen to work among you should be held in the highest regard for their work and that you should love them.
In 1992 this thought became known as Clergy Appreciation Month and a time to honor pastors and religious personnel.
Carolyn Tomlin
The Bible teaches that Christian parents are God’s plan for the family. As parents, teach your children to appreciate their pastors and other ministers. Teach children to say “thank you” for the pastor who is always there for your family. Here are some other suggestions.
• A prayer for God’s blessings. Help your child to make a plaque stenciled with these words. “The Lord bless you … and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you … (Numbers 6:24-25, NIV).
• Expand his library collection. Help your child choose a Christian book or gospel CD for his personal library.
• Write letters. Encourage older children and youth to write a letter to the pastor, thanking him for his support of youth programs in the church.
• Daily prayer. Teach them to pray for their pastor. When the family gathers for prayer, either mealtime or daily devotions, ask God to bless the minister of your church.
• Individual gifts. Help a youngster make a personal gift, such as their handprint on a paper plate, or a small potted plant with a card that says, “Thanks for helping us grow!” B&R — Tomlin writes for the Christian market and teaches the Boot Camp for Christian Writers. Email: tomlinm@bellsouth.net.
