October is designated as the official Pastor Appreciation Month (sometimes called Clergy Appreciation Month), and this can be a great time to express gratitude for all that your pastor has done. Pastors work tirelessly all year long to ensure that your worship, messages, gatherings, and important events are meaningful and truthful.
Pastors are truly invested in your spiritual well-being, as well as countless others both inside and outside of your church network. Their responsibilities range include hospital visits, charity, missions, preaching, counseling, teaching, church administration, and so on.
As we approach Pastor Appreciation Month, we want to approach it right. And believe it or not, there are some things we should not do to celebrate.
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When is Pastor Appreciation Month Observed?
Pastor Appreciation Month is a Christian observed holiday in October. A special service is held on the second Sunday of October. This Sunday is sometimes referred to as “Pastor Appreciation Sunday”.
What pastors DON’T want for Pastor Appreciation Month
Every October, pastors everywhere get showered with a plethora of useless gifts from their congregation members. Mugs, pens, and small plaques are among the biggest culprits. While these items may seem quaint and thoughtful at the time, the truth is that many of them will eventually end up on a shelf, packed away, or even worse in the trash.
After all, no one wants to hoard a pile of trinket gifts with no practical value. Your pastors deserve far better than the cheapest gift at your local dollar store.
What pastors REALLY want for Pastor Appreciation Month
Instead, try thinking about what your pastors would want. Chances are, your pastors have lived long enough to know that material possessions are of little value. It’s best to get your pastors something with meaning and sentimental value rather than something that merely looks nice.
Consider an experience
For example, you could get them a restaurant gift card. Now I know what you might be thinking, “gift cards are not meaningful!” Hear me out, you are paying for an experience so they can spend quality time with their friends and families away from the demands of the church.
Consider your pastor’s hobbies
Another thing to consider is your pastor’s hobbies. Remember: pastors are people too! Outside of preaching and managing the church, your pastors have things that they like to do in their spare time.
If you don’t know them well enough, ask someone who does. Or even better – start developing that relationship now, so that every year when October comes around, you aren’t completely at a loss for what to get them.
Maybe your pastor is into motorcycles or RC planes. Maybe they like to paint or play an instrument. If you invest in something that specifically relates to their interests, they will not only appreciate the gift but appreciate your thought and sincerity, as well.
Consider the Word
Obviously, pastors love the Bible and Bible-related materials like this custom laser engraved Bible cover. They likely have acquired many different versions of the Bible throughout their career of teaching and preaching. However, maybe you have a new pastor or one that has been eyeing a certain Bible for a few weeks but hadn’t purchased it yet. Bibles are always a great gift for pastors. Here is a quick list to consider:
- Best Study Bibles
- Best Bibles for Men
- Best Devotionals for Men
- Best Bibles for Women
- Best Devotionals for Women
A Biblical Timeline Chart
Biblical timeline charts are fantastic ways to display important events as they happened in the Bible. These charts go great in church foyers, pastor offices, and even your home. A biblical timeline is a great conversation piece as well. Display one and you’ll quickly have people gathering around it and talking.
Summary
In the end, it doesn’t matter if you go with the hobby-based item, a gift card experience, or a new Bible. Your pastor will love any of them! When giving, be sure to include a handwritten personal card telling your pastor how much they mean to you and that they are doing a great job.
Ultimately, the purpose of Pastor Appreciation Month is not to donate all your useless junk or use up the extra cards you have lying around the house. The purpose is to truly give back to those who have given you so much. If you’re still having trouble, consider a card with one of these Pastor Appreciation poems.
During this time, we should show our pastors the love of Christ and really get to know them – not just as mentors, but as friends and fellow believers.
This second Sunday of October, put some thought into how to best show your appreciation for your pastors. Expect nothing in return and simply give by the grace of God.
