This month is Pastor Appreciation Month. Yes, there is a “Pastor Appreciation Month” and it’s now! Focus on the Family named and began emphasizing Clergy Appreciation Month in 1994, reminding congregations about the importance of honoring our pastors and their families.
If you didn’t know about it, don’t feel bad. I’m late getting this out, too. However, I want to encourage you all to do something to “appreciate” our pastors and their families. They need it and deserve it!
LET’S TALK…
To “appreciate” literally means to raise the value of something. For example, right now, homes in Oregon are appreciating. The prices are going up! Good time to sell, lousy time to buy! When we appreciate others, we raise their value!
Your pastor needs to know their value is going up! Right? So how can we appreciate our pastors? Here are my four suggestions along with some other information you can read about pastors.
- Give your pastor a rest. Some churches can’t give their pastor a raise, but they can give them more time off. Pastors face stresses that many are simply unaware of. (“Another Pastor Bites the Dust” shares about some of the unque challenges a pastor goes through).
- Give your pastor a thank you! I can’t tell you how much a sincere “thank you” means to a pastor. Take time and thank them. Start out with something like “Thank you so much for…” or “Thank you for teaching me…” (“6 Ways to Thank Your Pastor” gives some simple ways to say thanks).
- Give your pastor a gift. Whether it’s a gift card to a favorite restaurant or membership to a local gym, gifts can communicate honor for your pastor. One church set out a gift basket in the church lobby for notes and gifts. One easy gift would be an online gift card from Amazon (just a thought).
- Give your pastor a commitment. This is a huge encouragement. Find out where you can help in your church. Just ask the question, “Pastor, I want to get more involved, how can I help?” (Here’s a short essay on “The Best Way to Support Your Pastor” ).
BEFORE YOU GO…
The Apostle Paul told us to appreciate our pastors and leaders. He wrote that we should “respect those who work hard among you… hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” (1 Thess. 5:13-14)
How are you appreciating your pastor this month?
Coffee with Randall 
Some in my church have encouraged me this month without them even knowing that this is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Today I had a nice gift of homemade bread on my desk when I got to the office this morning with a great note. Yesterday I received a card with a nice gift card in it from my staff. Others have shown their appreciation regularly in numerous ways throughout the year. I appreciate the people of my church so very much!
Father thank you for each and every one of the folks you have entrusted to my care and their encouragement to me.
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That’s great!
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