Pastor Appreciation Gifts that Make a Difference

Written by a Pastor's Wife

October is Pastor Appreciation month. Churches all over the United States are planning dinners in honor of their Pastor, offering him gifts, bonuses, cards, and other tokens of recognition. I can tell you, from the perspective of a pastor's family, every token of thanks is appreciated by your pastor.

Pastors have a special and unique calling. Unlike evangelists and teachers, pastors are called not just to teach you, but to nurture you, care for you, pray for you, and stand beside you through good times and the bad. It is a rewarding call, but it is not an easy one.

I'd like to suggest some things you can do for pastor appreciation that will bless your pastor not just this month, but through the months and years ahead.

Pray. The lifeblood of the Church is solid Biblical teaching and prayer. One of the best things you can do to assist your pastor is to pray for your fellow Church members. Pray for your community. Pray for the leadership of your Church. Pray for your pastor and his family. Pray that the spiritual eyes and ears of those who hear the Word will be open to the message of God's love and forgiveness.

The importance and power of prayer cannot be underestimated. It will not only bless your pastor during pastor appreciation month, but you will find yourself, your family, your church, and your community change as a result of prayer.

Visit. Different churches and denominations have different programs for visiting prospects and members. Are you involved? You probably have no idea how much time your pastor spends on the road, in the homes of families, and beside hospital beds. Your visits do not mean you are doing your pastor's job. Visiting prospective church members, sick, and shut-ins is a part of your Christian duty, as well. If you will step up your involvement in visiting, it will demonstrate to others that people in the Church understand their needs and are praying for them. People need to know it isn't just the pastor who cares.