October is Clergy Appreciation Month (CAM) and the perfect time to commit to praying for and encouraging our ministers on a regular basis. This year, several ministries, denominations, publishers, bookstores and church groups are participating in this significant event, including the National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDP). As Shirley Dobson, Chairman of the NDP Task Force, has stated, "Our pastors are on the front lines in the effort to defend our faith and our families. We must hold them before the Lord in prayer … I have a very tender heart for pastors, because they've been there for all of us when we have been in times of crisis—when we've been in times of suffering … we owe these pastors a debt of gratitude that we'll never be able to pay."

God's word calls us to support clergy. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 we are told:
"And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love" (The Message).

Clergy Appreciation Month gives you the ability to take action and keep your pastor from becoming what H.B. London, Jr. has called an "endangered species."

Used with permission from National Day of Prayer Task Force:
Clergy Appreciation Month began in 1993 with an effort to recognize ministers across the United States on the second Sunday of October. Later, under the support of Focus on the Family and other ministries, such as the National Day of Prayer Task Force, Clergy Appreciation Month gained greater momentum. Last year an estimated 30,000 churches participated in this significant event. Contact: National Day of Prayer Task Force (719)531-3379

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