What to do for your minister for Pastor Appreciation Month
Gift cards and flowers are great, but here are some intangible acts that could mean even more.
Pastor Appreciation Month is a fairly recent tradition (30-ish years old), and - let’s be honest - it’s another excuse to sell greeting cards during October. Regardless, ministers deserve to be thanked for all their care and effort. They do so much work - much of it invisible to others - and carry a mental and emotional load that they can never truly set aside. So by all means, give your clergy presents that reflect your gratitude and that promote their self-care. Some of the best gifts to show your thanks can’t be bought, though. Here are some less consumer-driven ideas for honoring your pastor:
Share a meaningful sentiment with your minister. It could be related to something the pastor has done, like a specific takeaway from a sermon or gratitude for care offered to you and your family. It could also, though, be about where you’ve seen God at work in, around, and/or through you or a recent experience of church life that was particularly joyous for you. Pastors love to hear how you are being changed by your faith and your church participation.
Name a problem or need in your congregation, then offer a solution. This doesn’t sound on the surface like an act of appreciation! But no pastor likes to feel like conflict is simmering, not knowing exactly what it’s about or when it will boil over. It’s a gift to your minister, then, to be straightforward. It’s a big gift to be solution-oriented when identifying the issue: “here’s what I think we (truly meaning “we,” not just the pastor) could do about it.”
Thoroughly read church communications and respond to them. Pastors and church staff spend significant amounts of time putting together newsletters, announcements, and social media posts. They want you to know what is going on, and they want to invite your engagement. Let them know that you’ve picked up what they’ve been putting down by RSVPing, volunteering, bringing requested donations, or by noting to your minister something that stood out for you in the communications.
Increase your personal welcome of newcomers. Take time not just to say hello to guests but to get to know them a bit, show them around, to connect them with others in the congregation based on their interests. This might not be something you ever talk about with your pastor, but she will notice and be encouraged by your initiative!
Be clear with your minister about your pastoral care hopes. If you’re having surgery and you want your pastor to be there, say so. You are being communicative and clear, which ministers appreciate much more than hearing about your health issue through the grapevine. And when you express your desire for their presence, pastors feel the privilege of being invited into your most vulnerable moments.
Tell others about your congregation. Pastors love it when you are so enthusiastic about church that you want others to experience it too. One-on-one conversations are great, but so is sharing social media posts or YouTube links to worship services that really helped you feel connected to God.
Limit your calls or texts to your pastor to her working hours, unless there is a need that is both important and time-sensitive. Pastors want to be with you in times of crisis. But if your communication is about something that can wait, please do hold off until the next work day. Because of the nature of the job, ministers are easily pulled back into mental and emotional work when they get after-hours contacts, and they need down time for the sake of their wellbeing and their ability to lead well. They feel seen for their hard work and their needs for rest and time with loved ones when you honor their schedules.
Ask your pastor hard theological questions. Ministers want to know that you are deeply engaging with scripture and experience, and they want to accompany you as you look for the answers you seek.
Bring an idea that you’re passionate about. Do you have a ministry idea that you’d like to take action on? Fantastic! Pitch it to your pastor, along with your first thoughts about who else might be interested and what the first steps might be. This shows your pastor that you understand the impact the church can have on people’s lives within and beyond its walls.
Think and talk from an abundance lens. There is nothing more discouraging to pastors than church members naming all the things the congregation doesn’t have. I guarantee you, though, that your church has a lot of talents and resources (not just people and money) available to it. Pastors feel gratified when congregants understand this and say, “Hey, we’re set up really well to do this” or “How can we use what we have to make an impact in our community?”
I encourage you to add to this list of ways to recognize the work of your pastor - and I urge you to use these ideas to show your appreciation all year long.