How can I show appreciation to my pastor?

Answer

Showing gratitude for your pastor is important. It is essential to appreciate him, and more importantly, to ensure he feels appreciated. There is a distinction. If your gratitude towards your pastor is never expressed, it becomes challenging for him to recognize your positive sentiments towards him. Many churches designate October as “Pastor Appreciation Month,” serving as a helpful reminder to offer encouragement. While October is a suitable month to show appreciation to your pastor, expressing your gratitude through words and actions should not be confined to a single month each year.

Expressing gratitude to your pastor is endorsed in Scripture. “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” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). The role of a pastor (literally, a “shepherd”) is to teach the Word of God, demonstrate the love of God, and guide the children of God on earth. Pastors should be esteemed highly. In fact, a proficient teaching pastor is “worthy of double honor,” as stated in 1 Timothy 5:17.

There are numerous ways to demonstrate appreciation for your pastor. A simple word of encouragement, whether spoken or written, is always appreciated. Sending a card, writing a note, or accompanying it with some cookies can be thoughtful gestures. Presenting your pastor with a special plaque or certificate is also a meaningful gesture. Discover his favorite food or dining place; then, invite him and his family for a meal or provide a gift card for that restaurant. Enroll him in a “pie of the month club” where church members commit to baking and delivering a different pie each month to your pastor. Offering tickets to watch his favorite sports team, or a long-term useful gift such as a desired book, dry cleaning certificate, gasoline card, car wash voucher, or any other practical item, can also be thoughtful ways to show appreciation.

Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor

Show your appreciation for your pastor by giving thoughtful gifts, such as gift cards, a necktie, or sending them on a vacation or weekend getaway. Organize a special service with testimonies from the congregation to honor your pastor. Create a scrapbook with photos and memorabilia documenting their ministry. Consider making a video with these photos. Have Sunday school children draw pictures to present in a special ceremony. You could also consider remodeling their office.

One of the most meaningful ways to show gratitude to your pastor is by following their guidance to follow Jesus. The apostle John found great joy in hearing about the church’s faithfulness to Christ: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4). Your pastor will be most pleased to see you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Your pastor relies on your support and encouragement. Hebrews 13:17 instructs you to honor your pastor and explains why it is important: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” Your pastor cares for your spiritual well-being. Will you make their work a burden or a joy? Show your pastor appreciation today and bring some joy into their life.