Pastor Appreciation Month is upon us. You’re searching for present concepts, and I’m right here to assist!
I requested a bunch of over 1,500 pastors: “What are the highest issues folks in your congregation have executed, or might do, so that you can present you appreciation throughout Pastor Appreciation Month?” Beneath you’ll discover a number of the high solutions.
As well as, I’ll weave in my very own concepts and insights from having served as a pastor.
What’s Pastor Appreciation Month?
Whereas the idea of appreciating our pastors originates from Scripture (see under), Pastor Appreciation Month (or extra broadly, Clergy Appreciation Month), originated in 1992.
It’s noticed every October, with Pastor Appreciation Day being the second Sunday of the month.
Why observe Pastor Appreciation Month?
1. Scripture exhorts us to honor our pastors
The sentiment behind the observe is rooted in Scripture. As an example, 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 says “to respect those that labor amongst you and are over you within the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very extremely in love due to their work” (see additionally 1 Tim 5:17–18). In Philippians 2:19–30, Paul publicly commends Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Church of Philippi, instructing the latter to obtain and honor the previous (2:29).
Likewise, the need must be that those that “watch over your souls” would accomplish that “with pleasure and never with groaning, for that will be of no benefit to you” (Heb 13:17). Appreciating their labor for us is a method we will improve that pleasure.
In fact, we will—and may—present appreciation for and to our pastor(s) 12 months spherical. And nowhere does Scripture command that we designate a sure month to understand pastors. So there’s no requirement to look at it. Nonetheless, Pastor Appreciation Month can present congregations a devoted time to take action in a particular approach yearly.
2. Honoring our pastors encourages them
This could foster a tradition of encouragement and thankfulness in addition to strengthen a wholesome bond between church members and their pastors. The church is a household (1 Tim 3:15), a neighborhood that helps and cares for each other (1 Cor 12:25–27). That care ought additionally to increase to the pastor. Pastors not solely look after us (Acts 20:28), however we also needs to look after them, reflecting mutual love and help.
Care ought additionally to increase to the pastor. Pastors not solely look after us, however we also needs to look after them.
Pastor Appreciation Month additionally serves to carry spirits when pastors are exhausted, remoted, and discouraged, as many typically are. Pastoring is a pleasure, nevertheless it may also be difficult and draining. It typically includes serving to folks by means of the darkest episodes of their lives, e.g., sin and tragedy. It’s steadily marked by battle and even private assaults. In the meantime, society’s esteem of pastors has waned. Sadly, as an alternative of being met with thanks and gratitude, pastors typically discover their labors are met with lack of appreciation and even criticism. All of this could erode morale.
Pastor Appreciation Month, then, supplies an opportunity to encourage pastors amidst these “occupational hazards.” It’s a chance to remind them of what we typically take with no consideration, and that their labor is valued.
What to think about for Pastor Appreciation Month
So that you’ve determined to do one thing for Pastor Appreciation Month. Now what?
1. The very best present you can provide them
First, any pastor definitely worth the title agrees with 3 John 1:4, “I’ve no better pleasure than to listen to that my youngsters are strolling within the reality” (emphasis added).
Certainly, that is what most pastors I spoke with needed to say: The best solution to present appreciation is just by being a superb church member. “Be current, concerned, and invested in church life,” says one. “Pay attention eagerly to the sermons. Develop spiritually.” One other remarked, “Learn the Phrase day by day and search for alternatives to encourage others in Christlikeness.”
2. Each private & sensible gestures
Think about each sensible and private methods to point out appreciation.
Good pastors are pushed by a love for his or her folks, not private achieve or comfort (1 Pet 5:2–4). So most pastors cherish presents which have a private contact, conveying real appreciation for his or her labor in your behalf. As an example, probably the most treasured presents I’ve acquired as a pastor had been handwritten notes of appreciation from congregants. Or, when you have a pastor who loves a superb joke, think about a humorous present that’s private to them.
Nonetheless, sensible presents are drastically appreciated, as nicely! Pastors typically work lengthy hours. Some pastors are bivocational or covocational, working outdoors the church. Moreover, pastors usually make a below-average earnings—and this typically on high of scholar debt from an extended seminary diploma. Think about a sensible present that may ease their busy lives or alleviate some pressure.
3. Each collective & particular person presents
Your congregation would possibly coordinate to supply a collective present. On the similar time, one pastor I spoke to talked about that he beloved when people within the church did one thing for him all on their very own.
4. All your pastors, not simply the senior pastor
Think about all of your pastors and your elders (they’re pastors, too)!
5. A pastor’s household, too
Lastly, don’t overlook a pastor’s household, if they’ve one. Think about how you may also present gratitude for his or her partner and kids, who inevitably really feel the affect of pastoral ministry’s emotional calls for and late-night conferences. Present appreciation for his or her sacrifice and mirror the church’s look after them, as nicely.
30 concepts for Pastor Appreciation Month
So what kind of presents or gestures would possibly you think about? Listed here are thirty concepts for you and your church:
1. Verbal affirmation or encouragement
Probably the most primary solution to present appreciation on your pastor is just to supply an encouraging phrase. (Bonus: It’s additionally free, and you are able to do it at any time when and as many occasions as you would like!)
- Cease them on a Sunday to share how God used a latest sermon of theirs in your life (Isa 55:11)
- Affirm that you simply see their labor for the church, and that this labor just isn’t in useless (1 Cor 15:58; Gal 6:9; Heb 6:10)
- Possibly take them out to espresso and share your coronary heart, disclosing what you recognize about them and their ministry
2. Private notes of appreciation
Present handwritten notes of encouragement. You are able to do this all by yourself, or your church would possibly arrange an effort to gather notes from throughout the congregation. This could embody:
- Private messages of gratitude, reflecting on tangible impacts of their ministry
- Encouraging Scriptures
- Handwritten prayers
I’ve typically saved such notes over time. It may be deeply encouraging when folks acknowledge your labor, and to know that it’s certainly making a distinction.
3. Public recognition
You may additionally honor your pastor(s) throughout a Sunday service, providing public recognition of their labor and praying for them.
As an example, one pastor I spoke with talked about that their church’s senior pastor devoted a Sunday every week in October to honor and share his gratitude for a unique affiliate or assistant pastor on his workers.
4. Thank-you video
Compile and current a video with messages from folks from throughout the congregation. This could be a clear solution to embody extra voices and seize the church’s collective appreciation. It additionally creates one thing memorable that your pastor can revisit.
5. Kids’s artwork initiatives
Don’t overlook to incorporate the children in Pastor Appreciation Month. Apart from, who doesn’t love receiving a heartfelt drawing or craft from a baby? Good pastors like to know their ministry additionally makes a distinction within the youngsters’s lives.
6. Picture album of ministry moments
A photograph album (digital or print) of significant ministry moments (e.g., pastoral set up, baptisms, constructing renovations) is a pleasant sentimental memento. In case your church has expert photographers, think about enlisting their presents right here.
This celebrates their tenure and encourages them as they mirror upon the lives they’ve touched.
7. Memento or token of appreciation
Reward your pastor(s) a plaque or a framed image to memorialize your gratitude for his or her service. Such gadgets present a long-lasting reminder of the congregation’s love.
8. Monetary present or bonus
Many pastors I spoke with stated they appreciated getting cash for Pastor Appreciation Month. A financial present affords sensible help for private wants or household bills, demonstrating tangible appreciation. That is very true for these pastors who don’t obtain a full or commensurate wage.
So think about taking a love providing or organising a fund for folks within the church to contribute to.
9. Reward playing cards
If giving cash feels too on-the-nose, that’s why present playing cards exist. Think about a gift-card:
- To a restaurant, letting pastors deal with themselves and their household to an evening out
- For a house enchancment retailer to assist fund a restore or different challenge
- Associated to a pastime of theirs, to allow them to buy one thing leisure for themselves
10. Reward basket or care bundle
Give your pastor a present basket or care bundle stuffed with issues like customized gadgets, favourite snacks, and a devotional ebook. This concept is each considerate and budget-friendly.
11. Snacks, treats, or espresso
Purchase them their favourite varieties of sweet or snacks. Or in the event that they like espresso—I hear most pastors do!—possibly get them some high-quality beans together with a theology-themed mug.
12. Pastime-related present
Many pastors I spoke with talked about presents they acquired that had been tailor-made to their particular pastime (e.g., a searching rifle or musical instrument).
Not solely do such presents encourage leisure, additionally they present you’ve given consideration to your pastor’s private pursuits, making the present each pleasant and significant.
13. Customized merchandise
Reward your pastor a personalised merchandise, corresponding to a customized engraved premium Bible to make use of when preaching.
14. Occasion or group outing
Arrange an outing or exercise like a park picnic in celebration of your pastor.
15. Prayer gathering
One of many best presents you can provide to your pastor is your prayers. As a pastor, it’s a treasure to know that your congregation is repeatedly praying for you.
So think about internet hosting a devoted prayer gathering to wish for the pastor’s well being, household, and ministry.
One of many best presents you can provide to your pastor is your prayers. As a pastor, it’s a treasure to know that your congregation is repeatedly praying for you.
16. Paid trip or getaway
Present your pastor an opportunity to relaxation and rejuvenate by funding a trip, buying them a keep at a lodge or resort, or shopping for them a voucher for a weekend getaway.
17. Sabbatical fund
Acquire funds on your pastor to make use of in an upcoming Sabbatical.
Sabbaticals present a chance on your pastor to:
- Relaxation and recuperate
- Put money into their very own longterm well being and ministry
- Pursue a analysis challenge they ordinarily don’t have time for
18. Visitor preacher or “pulpit swap”
Have the church’s elder board organize for a visitor preacher to present your main preaching pastor per week off of sermon prep.
Or have them arrange a “pulpit swap,” the place your main preaching pastor trades locations with a pastor from one other church. Regardless that they’ll each nonetheless be preaching that Sunday, it can provide them per week off of sermon prep by permitting them to re-preach an outdated message. (It’s additionally an effective way to accomplice and foster a relationship between likeminded church buildings.)
19. Date night time
Reward your pastor a date night time with their partner. For instance, I as soon as had a pair give my spouse and me a present card to a high-end restaurant on the town and supply to babysit our youngsters.
20. Time with household
Cowl the pastor’s duties for a day to free them as much as spend high quality time with their rapid household. This gesture exhibits that you simply prioritize their household’s well-being.
Or in case your pastor’s household lives out of state (e.g., they relocated throughout the nation to maneuver to your church), allow them to take that much-needed journey to go to their prolonged household.
21. Tickets & memberships
Purchase your pastor tickets to an occasion, or buy their household a membership to the kids’s museum to attend 12 months spherical.
As an example, a lady in my church as soon as purchased my household an annual move to our native zoo. We made good use of it, taking our youngsters a number of occasions.
22. A break for his or her partner
Along with acknowledging your pastor’s sacrifices, acknowledge their partner’s. For instance, deal with the pastor’s partner to espresso. Or if they’ve babies within the house, supply to babysit the children within the afternoon so you possibly can ship your pastor’s spouse to a spa.
Bless your pastor by blessing their partner.
23. Meals
Ease their every day schedule by delivering them a home made meal. Or should you’re not a lot of a prepare dinner, have meals from their favourite restaurant delivered on to their house.
Possibly go above and past by coordinating a meal practice for them throughout October.
24. Dwelling repairs or service day
Some pastors are helpful. But when they’re like me, they’re not a fixer-upper however a fixer-downer. (If I attempt to repair one thing, I’ll as a rule simply make it worse.)
Whether or not or not your pastor is helpful, think about volunteering to help with yard work, repair a leaky sink, or change the breaks on their automotive, saving your pastor each money and time.
25. Workplace decor—or full makeover?
Purchase them a murals for his or her workplace or a bust of certainly one of their theological heroes. Give their workplace a recent coat of paint or some new furnishings. One pastor shared that his church even stunned him by renovating his total workplace!
These gestures show care for his or her every day work surroundings—and, by extension, look after the work they do.
I’ve additionally seen sufficient house transforming episodes to difficulty warning right here! Possibly seek the advice of their partner for enter first.
26. Books
What pastor doesn’t love books?
Help their ongoing growth by giving your pastor a ebook on theology, a time-tested basic on pastoral ministry, or an inspiring Christian biography. For those who’re in want of solutions, see my record of ebook suggestions.
Alternatively, you would possibly purchase them a Logos present card so your pastors can choose a ebook for themselves.
Purchase books in Logos the place they’re supercharged with highly effective analysis instruments.
27. Bible research sources
Equip your pastor’s research and sermon prep by serving to them construct their library. Think about buying them a stable commentary set or Bible dictionary sequence. Need assistance? See my record of high sources for pastors.
Higher but, purchase them a library in Logos, gifting them an entire pastoral library in a single bulk buy.
28. Ministry sources
Help their skilled development by offering them a paid subscription to a theological journal, journal, or ministry cohort.
Think about additionally Logos’s MobileEd programs for ongoing schooling.
29. Convention
Ship your pastor to an upcoming pastors’ convention, the place they’ll be refreshed by wealthy instructing and inspired by networking with different ministry leaders.
30. Logos subscription
Lastly, in case your pastor isn’t already subscribed, think about buying a subscription to Logos, the premier app for Bible research and sermon prep. Logos supplies an intensive suite of sources and instruments that each save pastors time and—extra importantly—allow them to attain better insights into the textual content.
Contact our gross sales workforce that can assist you create an account or apply a subscription to their already-existing account.
Kirk’s E. Miller’s really useful books on your pastor
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