National Care for Pastors Sunday Announced
The nonprofit ministry Care for Pastors, Inc. announced today the inception of National Care for Pastors Sunday — a day for churches across the nation to express appreciation to ministers and their families, to be celebrated on the second Sunday of every October.
Since 1992, October has been unofficially recognized as Clergy Appreciation Month; however, “we believe there is tremendous value in designating one specific day for churches to intentionally communicate and demonstrate appreciation to their pastor(s),” said Ron Cook, Founder, Care for Pastors. “In 2002, some greeting card makers began promoting the second Sunday of October as Pastor Appreciation Day but, until now, no national organization has taken ownership of the day.”
This year, National Care for Pastors Sunday is October 14th.
Care for Pastors hopes to affirm the office of pastoral leaders; inspire churches and their members to honor those who are serving as pastors; and to see healthy relationships developed between congregations and pastors. “Every healthy relationship involves both parties giving and receiving. Many churchgoers only have the mindset of receiving when it comes to their minister; and often, ministers only have the mindset of giving. National Care for Pastors Sunday promotes a healthier relationship between pastors and congregants,” said Timothy Jensen, Development Director at Care for Pastors.
Care for Pastors is offering a free Event Planning Guide at www.careforpastorssunday.org which gives helpful and creative ideas on how to express appreciation to pastors and their families, whether done by individual churchgoers or as a whole congregation.
One of the creative ideas suggested in the Event Planning Guide involves churchgoers, youth groups, Bible study classes, or even entire churches purchasing professionally designed t-shirts that will be worn on Care for Pastors Sunday. “Usually, the pastor is the one communicating to the congregation. With this initiative, the congregation has the opportunity to visually communicate their love and appreciation to pastors,” said Dan Gallogly, Co-owner of Uth Stuph (pronounced youth stuff).
About Care for Pastors
Care for Pastors is a national non-denominational ministry based in Leesburg, Florida, that cares for those who minister (www.careforpastors.org).
About Uth Stuph
Uth Stuph is a ministry-focused custom apparel provider based in Orlando, Florida, that serves churches, camps, missionary and faith-based organizations around the U.S. (www.uthstuph.com).
