5. A “good word” to your pastor
Everybody likes to hear when they’ve done something right or been a blessing to somebody. Maybe the sermon spoke to you. Perhaps the service blessed you. Maybe you appreciated his call or visit, or you just like his tie. In a given week the average pastor hears a lot of things he’s done wrong. Take a moment and share something he’s done right.
6. A “good word” about your pastor
If your pastor is a gifted Bible preacher, a visionary leader or a caring pastor, tell your friends. Invite them to come hear him preach, spend time with him. Brag on him. Make sure everybody knows just how great you think your pastor is. This will get out and back and will be a great gift of encouragement.
7. Your faithfulness
Recently I had lunch with a pastor friend of mine who’s served the same church for nearly 20 years. He told me that instead of large receptions or lots of money, he’d rather just have his people be faithful. I completely agree. Money or cards don’t begin to say what a family’s faithfulness does. Your faithfulness to the ministry of your church says volumes about how much you really love and appreciate your pastor. Don’t just say it or give it—show it.
8. Time with his family
He won’t be any good to your family if he’s not any good to his family. If you have a need that’s not an emergency, leave a message and tell him there’s no hurry. Or send an email or a direct message. No pastor minds taking a call or making a visit if there is a real need, but make sure it is a real need before you call in the evening or on the weekend when he’s with his family. Another good idea is to insist and, if funds are available, make sure the pastor and his family can have at least one week to get away on a vacation. In a day where most “faithful” church members miss at least one Sunday a month and take multiple trips or vacations a year, among the gifts for pastor appreciation month it’s not asking too much to make sure he and his family have at least one.
9. Time by himself
The demands of being a pastor today are exponentially greater than they were just 25 or 30 years ago. The pressure of meeting all the needs and living up to the expectations can get to the point that it just becomes too much to bear. This explains why so many pastors are burning out and quitting—often to never darken the door of a church with their families again. Let your pastor get away to a good conference where he can refreshed. Send him on a hunting or fishing or golf trip. Whatever he likes to do. Allow him to recharge his batteries so he can come back energized for the ministry the Lord has for him there. If your pastor is always available, he won’t be worth anything when he is available.
10. A financial gift
There is a reason why this is last—because it’s last. For most pastors I know and have talked to, a love offering is way down at the bottom of a list of things they would like to receive from their church. Now, I’m not saying there aren’t those pastors who are more like used car salesmen who are always out to get an extra buck or two. I’m also not saying there are not pastors who may have a financial need the church doesn’t know about and a gift right now would help them maintain their self-respect or help them get ahead a just little bit. I’m just saying most pastors don’t become pastors to get rich or have a lot of money. They do it because of the call of God on their life. So, consider gifts for pastor in the form of a gift card for a nice meal. Or, even better, a little extra money to do whatever they want to do with it. Express your appreciation for the long hours of ministry and love he gives, not just during the month of October but the rest of the year as well.
These are just a few thoughts of a pastor who was raised in the home of a pastor and loves pastors. What gifts for pastor do you have in mind?
