How to Share Your Love in Pastor Appreciation Month

Pastors give love and encouragement to all.

Hebrews 13:7 states "Appreciate our pastoral leaders who give us the word of God. Take a look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness." Pastors do so much for their congregations, so it is only right that a time is set aside for honoring and blessing pastors. This time is called "Pastor Appreciation Month" and it began in 1993 as a way for church members to encourage their pastor and family. Although October is a special month for doing this, a church congregation should strive to help their pastor whenever possible.

Instructions

1. 

   Find a favorite restaurant gift certificate.

   Give a gift certificate to a restaurant he and his family love, or invite them to your house for dinner. Get the congregation involved by making a sign-up sheet for members to provide a meal. Create two sign-up sheets. One for those who want to take the pastor to a restaurant, and one for those who prefer to deliver food to the pastor's home.

2. 

   Help you pastor get away from everything for a while.

   Send your pastor and family on a trip. Collect money throughout the entire year. Delegate one person to accept the donations. By starting early, everyone has a chance to contribute. Ask someone to write a letter to the congregation in January. State the name of the collector and give them a final donation date. Shop for the perfect destination by taking into consideration places your pastor would love to visit.

3. 

   Send a card every day.

   Encourage your pastor by sending cards for the whole month of October. Mail one card a day to the church or your pastor's home. Send a gift certificate to a favorite golfing spot in the card on the second week, and choose a department store gift card to send on the fourth week.

4. 

   Rent a hall for a Pastor Appreciation Banquet.

   Plan a banquet. Have it catered to your church or rent a hall for a more elaborate affair. Create special banners to hang in your church and have the younger Sunday School groups make cards. See if you can get some pictures or make a video depicting your pastor's life and ministry to show during the banquet. Have special music and a speaker, or ask one of the Sunday School classes to put on a skit to make the evening more enjoyable.

5. 

   Give coupons for car washes.

   Do jobs around your pastor's home that need to be done. Get a sign-up sheet for lawn care, maintenance and repair on the home, cleaning and housework. Take the pastor's car to a car wash or have the teen department of your church wash the car.

6. 

   A scrapbook is filled with memories.

   Fill a jar with comments from the congregation on why your pastor is so special. Give each church member a half sheet of paper to use. Present this special jar to the pastor in October, along with a gift certificate to a favorite store. Create a scrapbook of special memories by asking church members to contribute a picture with a short note to be included in the scrapbook.

7. 

   Make a DVD your pastor can use on the computer.

   Buy some new software for your pastor's computer. Find a store that sells Bible software and give your pastor a gift certificate to that store. Completely revamp you pastor's office by buying new furniture, replacing the carpet and installing a new computer. Put together a DVD filled with videos and photos of church members saying or writing special comments. Include your pastor's favorite Christian music as background sound for the DVD.

8. 

   Take your pastor on a fishing trip.

   Express your appreciation individually by using your spiritual gifts to help your pastor in his ministry. Pray for your pastor and give compliments when something is well done (such as a sermon). Be loyal and supportive, encourage and strengthen your pastor. Invite your pastor to go with you on day trips. Enjoy each other's company without having a personal agenda. Pastoral leadership can be a lonely life, and reaching out in friendship is an excellent way to show your pastor love and kindness.

9. 

   Give your pastor time to worship.

   Give your pastor every fifth Sunday off to worship and get renewed. Pastors need time, in an environment free of all responsibilities, to worship God. She can come back refreshed and with a renewed spirit to continue the work of the ministry. This shows love and care for your pastor's well-being.

References

• Pastoral Care Inc: Pastor Appreciation Month
• Central/Southern Illinois Synod: Clergy Appreciation
• Exalt Christ; October is Pastor Appreciation Month - Here are 10 Suggestions; Jared Moore; March 4