October marks the month when we show appreciation for our pastors. How exactly are we to celebrate our pastors? How can we show them that we care? What is the perfect gift? Many churches feel clueless when they contemplate ways to express gratitude to their cherished leaders. So we made a list. Here are 10 suggestions to get the creative juices flowing.
1. Write Lots of Letters
On Sunday before Pastor Appreciation Day, distribute stamped envelopes addressed to the pastor. An instruction note invites each church member to write and mail a personal note of encouragement and appreciation to the pastor during the week.
2. Customize a T-shirt
Order a “Best Pastor in _______” T-shirt, cap or plaque, and present it with flourish.
3. Create Original Art
Laminate bookmarks created by the children in your church, featuring their art and signatures. Allow kids to present the bookmarks to the pastor personally.
4. Place Your Church in a Frame
Prepare a beautifully framed photo or painting of the church building. Even better: take a group photo of church members in front of the building. Use extra wide matting and ask every church member to sign the mat before adding glass.
5. Purchase Helpful Commentaries
Purchase a full set of Bible commentaries. Allow various groups, such as Bible classes, committees or church organizations, to present one book of the set, individually wrapped with their personal notes of appreciation on the inside pages.
6. Make a Video Presentation
Create a presentation of photos and video of the pastor(s) in action during the past year. Set it to music and play it as a pre-service video.
7. Give Public Thanks
Take out a full-page ad in your local Christian paper, featuring a photo of your pastor and a declaration of your church’s love and appreciation. Call David at 336-325-6951 for more information.
8. Do an Office Makeover
Do a surprise office makeover, with the pastor’s wife’s input, of course. Consider fresh paint, updated décor, new furniture and even a computer or technology upgrade.
9. Supply Favorite Things
Think of one small thing your pastor enjoys, such as M&Ms, fishing lures, coffee, etc. Ask each member to bring that item on Sunday, i.e. one bag, any size, of M&Ms. Supply extras for guests or forgetful members.
10. Celebrate 30 Days of Appreciation
Use an October calendar to schedule volunteers for a month-long schedule of surprise treats.
Each day of the month, the pastor will receive a surprise token of appreciation from a church member, committee or group within the church. The tributes can vary widely. Some ideas include: a balloon delivery, a shoe shine, an apple pie or a gift certificate. After a whole month of pleasant surprises, won’t your pastor feel appreciated?
And won’t God be honored by your acts of love for His servant? Don’t forget to include a sincere note with specific reasons you appreciate your minister’s spiritual leadership, dedication, time and commitment.
Honor God by honoring His servants, with a thoughtful, personalized encouragement that fits your unique church and pastor.