Feature: Clergy Appreciation Month began in 1992 as a way to encourage congregations to show their appreciation, love and support for their pastors. This affirmation can provide new life and energy for a pastor who may be dealing with burnout, disillusionment, frustration, isolation, or stress. Because pastors are often “on call” around the clock, special recognition for the work they do is more than called for.
Pastor Appreciation Ideas
Pastor Appreciation Day/Month is a great opportunity for individuals and the church, as a whole, to show love and appreciation for their pastor. Using tangible “thank you” ideas to express gratitude is a special way to honor the clergy and thank their devoted family members. Here are some suggestions to put to use during pastor appreciation month.
- Pray for your pastor.
- Plan a special banquet. Invite a guest speaker and prepare a program that fits the personality of your pastor. A “This Is Your Life” DVD or celebrity-style roast are two pastor appreciation ideas that are both personal and lighthearted.
- Creatively communicate words of encouragement to your pastor for his or her service to God and the Church.
- Take special care to listen and respond to your pastor’s sermons.
- Apply the truth of your pastor’s preaching to specific areas of your life and then say “Thank You Pastor, for helping me spiritually”.
- Give an appreciation basket which includes thoughtful cards and gifts for your pastor, pastor’s children and spouse.
- Be aware of the unique needs of the pastor’s children by providing financial help for camp, youth group retreats or missionary trips.
- Surprise you pastor and spouse with a cruise or vacation package to a special destination you’ve heard them talk about.
- Invite them to a dinner or party with your family and friends.
- Start a committee to appreciate your pastor and family throughout the year such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
Remember Genuine appreciation is much more than just scheduling pastor appreciation month or giving pastor honoring gifts.
As you creatively express gratitude to your pastor, you demonstrate much more than you realize. Expressing gratitude and appreciation is a very practical witness to your community of God’s grace and mercy.
A Healthy Church Shows Appreciation
I believe that conveying appreciation is the sign of a healthy church and healthy churches want to pay tribute to their pastor through loving acts of gratitude.
- Biblically, honoring spiritual leaders is a concept throughout the pages of scripture.
- Practically, showing appreciation serves two purposes. First, as already stated, expression of gratitude is a positive Christian witness, showing your community that God is loving and merciful.
A second practical result of honoring pastors is that it creates an atmosphere that encourages a response to the call of God to pastoral ministry.
A positive, healthy church produces those called of God to serve in Christian ministry.
- Ultimately, clergy appreciation by a congregation is an expression of gratitude to God for their pastor. Honoring the pastor reveals more about a congregation than it does about the pastor.
Your church’s expression of gratitude for your pastor and his or her ministry efforts can be one of the most effective demonstrations to your community that your church is indeed a loving church.
May the greatest clergy appreciation gift given by your church be the gift of a healthy church, ready to share God’s love not only with your pastor but with your community.
-Feature courtesy of Alabama North District
