Synod Spotlight: Clergy Appreciation Month

Many of the Rostered Leaders and Synod Authorized Ministers from the La Crosse Area Synod who attended the 2025 Fall Theological Conference at Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire.

Clergy Appreciation Day is always observed on the second Sunday in October, and the entire month is celebrated as Clergy Appreciation Month. This annual observance, begun in 1992, invites congregations to uplift, encourage, and thank pastors, deacons, and all those who serve God’s people through ministry.

In the La Crosse Area Synod and throughout the ELCA, October is a time to celebrate and give thanks for our Pastors (Ministers of Word and Sacrament), Deacons (Ministers of Word and Service), and Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs). These leaders walk with congregations and communities in times of joy and challenge, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action.

As a synod “Cultivating Life-Giving Relationships Rooted in God’s Love,” we recognize that our rostered and authorized ministers embody this mission every day. They nurture faith, offer compassion, lead with courage, and help build communities where God’s love is made known in tangible ways.

During this month, we invite you and your congregation to consider how you might offer a word or gesture of appreciation for your Pastor, Deacon, or SAM. A simple note, a prayer, a public thank-you, or a small act of kindness can mean more than you might imagine.

Our ministry leaders continue to navigate a rapidly changing world—seeking creative ways to proclaim the gospel, foster connection, and care for people in body, mind, and spirit. While they are trained, gifted, and called for this work, your encouragement and support sustain them for the long journey of ministry.

So, as Scripture reminds us,

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.” — Hebrews 10:24

With gratitude for your partnership in the Gospel,
The La Crosse Area Synod Staff

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