“There are many ways I’ve been honored by Pastor Appreciation Month,” says Jesse Carr, pastor of Sharon Heights Church, Birmingham, “but what really touches my heart is when someone shakes my hand as they leave the church and says, ‘what you said this morning really made me think — you have made a difference in my life.’ Of course, I appreciate a congregation being kind and considerate to my family, too.” Carr lists other ways he has been honored, including wonderful meals where the women bring their favorite recipes.
“Today’s pastors are under a lot of stress, especially due to the coronavirus in 2020 and the unrest in our nation,” says Jerry Rea, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church, Muscle Shoals. “For many, serving as pastor of a church can be a lonely occupation. Pastor Appreciation lets the minister know [he isn’t] carrying the pressure of the congregation alone. In a small church, a pastor has an opportunity to know the people and to offer spiritual love and growth. Our church, not only recognizes the pastor, but the staff. I feel this is very important as there are people who work in our offices who keep the church operating. It takes everyone working together to have a God-loving church.”
Pastor Appreciation Month (originally known as Clergy Appreciation Month) was established in 1992 by a group of pastors and church leaders to honor those who serve in ministry. Recognizing your pastor/staff and family is a gift of love. This special acknowledgment should be above and beyond what a church is already doing for its leaders. Observing Pastor Appreciation Month, is a way to say, “Our church loves and appreciate you.”
Ideas for church members
Are you looking for unique ways to say “thank-you” to your church leaders? If so, these ideas will get you started:
1. Encourage your pastor to enroll in a seminary course online or complete a degree. Pastors need to be prepared and equipped to serve God and His church.
2. Provide a gift card for travel to visit adult children or family.
3. Present a hand-made friendship quilt from the women in the church or a fleece throw of the staff member’s favorite sports team.
4. Plan a Dessert-a-Month for the coming year and deliver to the pastor’s family.
5. Write a personal letter of appreciation to your pastor and staff. Enlist your children to write/draw thank-you notes to accompany your letter.
6. Encourage your pastor to take care of his health by gifting him with a gym membership.
7. Give a gift card to your pastor or staff members to download books of their choice.
8. Offer to watch your pastor’s children while he and his wife have an outing.
9. Surprise your pastor with tickets to a movie, concert, sporting event, etc.
10. Involve the media by placing an ad in the local paper. Let other people know your church loves its leaders.
Bible verses that support pastor appreciation and recognition
Numerous Bible verses are related to Pastor Appreciation. These verses are from the King James Version (KJV).
- “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls; as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17).
- “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer. 3:15).
- “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thess. 5:12–13).
- “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Tim. 5:17).
- “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher” (Rom. 10:14)?
- “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Heb. 13:7). (See more by clicking here.)
Most importantly, pray for your pastor and staff. Support them by your attendance and commitment. Tell others about the man God has chosen to lead your church. Honor God by honoring His servant.
Find additional ideas for honoring your pastor here.
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