Clergy Appreciation Month

• October 14, 2019
• By Sarah Russell

Clergy Appreciation Month

At the age of 24, I became a pastor’s wife.

Three years later, I can tell you that pastoring is still the most isolating profession I know.

It’s hard work nurturing souls for the Kingdom; it’s even harder when those people don’t think they need nurturing. This is just one of the many struggles that pastors and anyone in ministry deals with.

When my husband and I got married, I remember feeling so inadequate, young, lacking any authority or wisdom. I married him because I loved him, but I didn’t have any idea how I was going to fit into this new role of ministry. I knew that I couldn’t fit into the ‘pastor’s wife’ mold that I grew up observing, quiet and reserved but good at small talk, standing in the shadow of her husband, present at all activities, etc. I’m an introvert, but I can be quite loud when I start talking.

I am called to stand beside my husband, working alongside him in ministry. And sure, I’ll be present for weekly and special events, but you better believe I’m bringing the kids along and they will be seen AND heard. I just did not know how I was going to be able to step into a position of leadership and authority over people 3 and 4 times my age.

And then I found Holy Yoga®, and I started to realize my own ministry. I realized that God uses each and every one of us if we allow him. All of us who take part in the harvest, the seeding, reaping and sowing, are ministers of the Gospel. Those feelings I had of inadequacy resonate with how so many of us feel when we begin our Holy Yoga training. Maybe you feel out of place, too old, too young, inexperienced, the list goes on and on. Yet in our uniqueness and individuality, we find community.

Since completing my Holy Yoga training in 2017, I have stepped into my role as pastor’s wife and minister confidently and unashamed. I follow where He leads, and lead as He guides me. I’ve kicked the box away and with His guidance I am able to fit into whatever situation He sends my way.

I still have moments where I feel isolated from the community that I live in and minister to, but in those times I have found community in my Holy Yoga tribe with arms spread wide, ready to welcome me.
So here’s to all you Holy Yoga brothers and sisters out there, ministering to each other and to your communities in your own right!

How do you show clergy support and appreciation throughout the year?
How do we extend this feeling of community to our clergy who are often taken for granted?

Leave your answers in the comment box below!

For more information on Holy Yoga Training, visit our training page to see which program most interests you! We can’t wait to hear from you!