In Church circles, October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  Church members across the country are seeking the perfect pastor appreciation gift to demonstrate how they feel about their pastor.

The most unique gift I received over the years was a book of sermons from the donor’s favorite preacher.  Implicit was the suggestion that I would be better if I preached like the author.  I doubt I ever lived up to that donor’s lofty expectations.

However, I am thankful that God has blessed me over the years with some great congregations to lead.  Most of those congregations showed my family and me appreciation year-round.  I am blessed now to pastor the good people at Bellevue in Macon.  They took a chance on me when I thought no one else would, and I hope they have no regrets.

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Pastor Appreciation Gift Ideas

Here are some suggestions of what you can do to show appreciation for the pastor at the church you attend.  These suggestions are not the usual gifts you can go out and buy at the local bookstore.  I believe most pastors would love to receive these gifts any time of the year, not just during October. 

These Pastor Appreciation ideas cannot be bought in a store, but they are inexpensive.  They do not require shelf space, nor clutter his desk, nor need a prominent place on his office wall.  I guarantee they will fit and he will not think about returning them for something else.

You find these ideas in the Bible, Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, and 1 Timothy 5:18-20 more precisely.

Remember

Remember important dates in your pastor’s life – his birthday, wedding anniversary, church anniversary.  Celebrate the important dates for his family members.  Take note of the things he does for you and express appreciation.

Observe

Nothing encourages a pastor more than when his congregation catches his passion and vision, especially his passion for Jesus.   Pay attention to those things of which your pastor speaks often.  Notice when he seems to operate with a greater since of passion or urgency, and join him in that passion.

Protect

A pastor leads a very vulnerable life.  Just one hint of impropriety and his reputation is shot, family damaged, and livelihood lost.  Protect your pastor’s honor.  Do not let others speak ill of him, but rather rush to his defense.  Do not participate in the “Pastor Barbecue.”

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Trust

We tend to bristle at the words “obey” and submit.”   A pastor is human and as such is incredibly fallible, but God has given him a specific leadership role.  A pastor is not an absolute ruler, but God places the responsibility of leadership squarely on a pastor’s shoulders. 

Trust that your pastor is leading you based on his fellowship of Christ.  A godly pastor asks a congregation to join him in following Christ’s direction for the church.  Unless he is leading you to do something unbiblical, give him the benefit of the doubt and follow his lead.

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A Final Word

Pastors feel an overwhelming sense of accountability to God for those we lead.  We realize that one day we will answer to God for our leadership efforts and faithfulness. A great pastor appreciation gift a church member can give a pastor is “lead-ability.” 

Pray for your pastor, encourage him, and let him do what God has called him to do – lead you.

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