How to Organize Programs for Pastor Anniversary

Need programs for Pastor Anniversary? You've come to the right place. Being a pastor is an incredibly difficult job and as a member of the congregation it is important that you pray for your pastor and make sure he is appreciated.

A Pastor's Anniversary with his church should be celebrated annually. It can be something the church looks forward to and the pastor looks forward to. The pastor often times represents the goals of the church and the direction it is going in. Support him/her to feel God has placed him with you for a reason and show your appreciation for his hours of dedication and life which is consumed with the church's mission and well being.

I hope this article will be useful to you whether you have just recently taken charge of programs for Pastor Anniversary or if you are a veteran looking for new ideas.

May God bless you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Committee

   MAKE A COMMITTEE - Whether the committee is comprised of two people or twenty, organizing a program for Pastor Anniversary is best done as a team. There is no reason that one person or family should have to shoulder this responsibility alone. More people means more contacts and more great ideas.

2. 
    
   Gift Size

   DECIDE UPON THE SIZE OF THE GIFT - As with a wedding anniversary a gift for a pastor's anniversary of church employment should be raised in conjunction with the length of time at the church. Other indicators will rely on specific church experiences. If the pastor created an amazing new program this year that helped out the community and many members, you may want to splurge. Make sure to celebrate the hallmark anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20) in a big way!

3. 
    
   Testimonial

   FEATURE TESTIMONIALS - A great way to celebrate your pastor's anniversary is to invite church members to share testimonials. For his 1 year anniversary, you may have 1 person start the service off with a testimonial and a heartfelt gift. Every year, you can choose that many testimonials. If the pastor has reached a great number, consider getting a videographer to do testimonials. Share that during the service and have each family come up afterwards and give a heartfelt gift.

4. 
    
   Scrapbook

   CREATE A SCRAPBOOK/INSPIRATIONAL BOOK - In addition to testimonials, you may want to put together a scrapbook with members' stories about how the pastor has impacted their life. Have as many members as possible write their appreciation for a job well done. Include pictures. Make this a memory book which will encourage your pastor when he is feeling down.

5. 
    
   Retreat Gift

   GIVE AN EXTRAVAGANT GROUP GIFT - Collecting a small amount from each congregation member will allow your church to create a great program for pastor anniversary. Consider a vacation for his family, wife and kids, a trip to Israel, conference tickets, a marriage retreat, etc. Make it personal to your pastor and his family.

Tips & Warnings

• The best gifts will include testimonies, a take home token of appreciation (scrapbook/plaque) and a gift of monetary value. It will be something which will be inspirational and help your pastor stay motivated and feel appreciated throughout the year.
• Consider gifts for the pastor's wife and children too.
• Include something that will make your pastor laugh, such as a pastor T-shirt or apron.
• Individual gifts are important because they personalize the appreciation. If every member contributes to an extravagant group gift, consider asking each person to send a card/note of appreciation as well. Or send a card a day for the entire year!
• Monetary gifts are often spent on necessities. If this is not your intention, include a note or give an expensive experience gift instead.

Resources

• 31 Ways to Appreciate your Pastor Throughout the Year
• Excellent Guide which Includes Planning Procedure and MANY gift Ideas