CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH

To every Bishop, Pastor, Elder, Exhorter, Evangelist, and Servant-Leader in the vineyard of the Lord:

During this time we set aside as Clergy Appreciation Month, I speak to each of you with a joyful heart, deep affection, and gratitude to say: thank you.

Thank you for your unwavering consistency, when others falter, you remain. When the world shifts, you stand firm. You rise early to pray, stay late to counsel, and pour out from a well that heaven continually refills. You labor in love, preach with fire, and stand tall in the face of storms that would bend lesser souls.

You feed the flock with wisdom and compassion, not just from pulpits but from hospital rooms, street corners, and quiet living rooms. You guard the gates of the soul, watching over your congregations with vigilance and grace. You carry burdens that few ever see, silent struggles, private griefs, and the weight of intercession that presses deep into your spirit.

You are the heartbeat of the church. You are the shepherds who walk with the wounded, binding up broken hearts with the balm of the Word. You are the watchmen who cry out in the night, warning of danger, declaring hope. You are the prophets who speak truth in love, even when it costs you comfort, applause, or approval.

And above all, you have preached Jesus, and Him crucified. You have lifted up the name that saves, heals, and delivers. You have declared the cross, the resurrection, and the power of redemption. And I thank you for continuing to do this, without compromise, without apology, and without weariness.

You are the hands that baptize, the voices that comfort, the feet that go where others will not. You are the ones who stand in the gap, who lift up holy hands when others grow weary, who declare healing over sickness, peace over chaos, and life over death.

And I honor you, not just with words, but with the full weight of heaven’s gratitude. The Lord sees your labor. The angels echo your prayers. The Spirit strengthens your soul. And I, as your Jurisdictional Prelate, stand with you in love, in faith, and in celebration.

Your work matters. Your calling is great. Your reward is eternal.

Just remember these words from the Word of God:

Hebrews 6:10 – “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you show toward His name, in that you minister to the saints, and do minister.” Your labor is not in vain. Heaven sees. Heaven records. Heaven rewards.

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 – “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” You are worthy of honor. You are worthy of celebration.

Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace…”

Your steps carry purpose. Your voice is a trumpet of hope.

Regardless of what is going on in the world, the church, the home or anywhere, a;ways remember: You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are not unseen. You are the pillars of the sanctuary, the voices of revival, the hands of healing. And I, as your Jurisdictional Prelate, stand with you, pray for you, and celebrate you.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I conclude with this written prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I lift up every clergy member under the sound of my voice. Strengthen their hands. Refresh their spirit. Renew their vision. Let Your anointing flow like oil upon their heads. Protect their families. Provide for their needs. Let their latter days be greater than the former. And let them know, deep in their soul, that they are loved, valued, and chosen.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved - 9/17/25