A Word of Thanks During Clergy Appreciation Month

I’ve been a pastor for nearly 39 years, but the majority of those years I have served in non-traditional pastoral roles. As such, I’ve been the recipient of traditional pastoral support much more than the provider.

While I don’t remember actually listening to sermons in church as a child, somehow Pastor Schumacher’s words took root and I learned about the radical grace of a loving god.

Pastor Johnson urged me to go to seminary at the very point that I was considering giving up on the church forever.

Pastor Giles delivered a warm, fresh-baked loaf of bread when my dad received his cancer diagnosis and delivered last rites at his bedside 18 months later.

Pastor Simmons presided at my first marriage while Pastor Coltvet was there to hold me together when that marriage ended.

Pastor Adamson stood out on the frozen North Dakota prairie and laid my beloved grandmother to rest.

In my current role at Mosaic, I weekly have the privilege of meeting with clergy across the country who lead congregations in accompanying Mosaic’s mission. This service comes in many shapes and forms. Some lead Rejoicing Spirits worship services; others encourage their congregants to host Mosaic day services; some inspire financial generosity; while others encourage advocacy.

The role of clergy in shaping and supporting lives is indeed wide and varied.

We at Mosaic hold pastors, priests, missionaries, deacons, religious communities and all who provide spiritual leadership in communities of faith in high regard. Indeed, it was the service of one pastor, K.G. William Dahl, who set out to start a new community of belonging for people with diverse needs. Inspired by his vision, 54 donors from local churches gave $1 a piece, and Bethphage Mission—one of the two precursors to Mosaic—was born in 1913. Ever since, spiritual leaders have led their communities of faith to help resource and sustain this ministry.

October is National Clergy Appreciation Month, and as we lift up those who provide spiritual leadership, we say thank you! Thank you for tirelessly loving the communities you serve. Thank you for continuing God’s work.

Thank you for your support and encouragement of Mosaic’s mission to love and serve.