Pastor Appreciation Month in October is starting to become expected. This is a good thing! But appreciating your pastor in unexpected ways year-round can make your gestures of gratitude even more special and memorable.
Here are 10 creative ways to show your pastor how much you value their ministry.
1. Secret encouragement cards
Ask fellow members (or small group friends) to write anonymous encouragement cards or notes to the pastor. Deliver these messages of appreciation periodically, leaving them in unexpected places like the pastor’s office or at the pulpit.
2. Homemade treats
Bake homemade goodies or organize a potluck where members bring homemade dishes to share with the pastor and his family. Food made with love is a wonderful and thoughtful token of appreciation. Do you know his favorite snack or meal? If not, ask him or his wife.
3. Acts of kindness
Encourage fellow members to perform random acts of kindness for the pastor, such as surprising him with a clean and landscaped yard. Or offer to organize his garage. Coordinate with his family to make sure it would be well received, of course.
4. Personalized artwork
Commission or create a piece of artwork that represents the pastor’s ministry or impact. Present it during a special time as a lasting token of appreciation. Make sure it’s top quality.
5. Upgrade the pastor’s workspace
Work with the office staff or business administrator to renovate or redecorate the pastor’s office or workspace. A refreshed environment can uplift spirits.
6. Professional development
Support your pastor’s professional growth by offering to cover the cost of attending a relevant conference, workshop or training program. It’s an unexpected investment in their ministry. Be sure to think about travel costs, too.
7. Churchwide acts of service
Have the congregation participate in a day of service to address the pastor’s needs, such as car maintenance, home repairs or organizing the pastor’s study.
8. Celebrate the pastor’s hobbies
Discover your pastor’s hobbies and interests, whether it’s gardening, painting or a favorite sports team. Surprise them with a gift related to their passion.
9. Donation in their name
Make a charitable donation to the church’s ministry or a cause close to your pastor’s heart. Present the donation as a gift in their name, reflecting their compassion. Send them an anonymous card with the details, and explain why you did it.
10. Personalized playlist
Curate a playlist of worship songs or inspirational music that would hold significance for the pastor. This could be a digital playlist on his favorite app or a CD if he still uses them. Send an email sharing why you chose the songs and how much his ministry means to you.
Unexpected acts of pastor appreciation can deeply touch your pastor’s heart and serve as a source of encouragement.
By thinking outside the box and creatively expressing your gratitude, you can strengthen the bond between church members and their pastor. In doing so, you’ll be reminding your pastor of the profound impact they have on the lives of those they serve. A little goes a long way.
And don’t just stop with the lead pastor. If you have a whole team of ministers, be sure to look for ways to encourage them, as well.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – This article originally appeared in the October 2023 issue of the Biblical Recorder magazine. Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author and church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com and executive director of the Center for Church Communication.)
