Pastor Appreciation Day

October is Clergy Appreciation Month

Clergy Appreciation Month began in 1993 as a way to encourage congregations to show their appreciation, love and support for their pastor. This affirmation can provide new life and energy for a pastor who may be dealing with burnout, disillusionment, frustration, isolation, or stress.

A story is told of a pastor who had written his resignation letter, ready to give to the council, when he was surprised by a congregational gathering to honor and support him. He felt renewed in his call and was able to tear up the resignation letter. Don’t let your appreciation go unexpressed!

There are many, many ways to express a congregation’s appreciation for their pastor. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity going:

Ø Compile a book of appreciation with congregation members’ expressions of support and love.

Ø Does your pastor need a computer hardware or software upgrade?

Ø Give a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, a gas card, tickets to a favorite sports team or concert, or a month’s membership to a gym.

Ø Provide coupons for babysitting, a car wash, lawn mowing, leaf raking, oil change, etc.

Ø Give a weekend away at a resort or bed and breakfast for your pastor and your pastor’s spouse.

Ø Sunday school or confirmation classes could make cards, write poems, or draw pictures.

Ø Make a video of congregation members expressing their appreciation for their pastor.

Ø Hold a lay-led service to let your pastor worship in the pew with this congregation; include special music or prayers or a guest speaker.

Ø Celebrate at a congregational dinner, potluck, etc. honoring your pastor.

Ø Congregational members could each sign up for a day in October and provide pastor with a small token of appreciation on that day.

Ø Present your pastor with a handmade quilt.

Ø Explore the possibility of providing your pastor a sabbatical.

Ø Check with your pastor’s spouse about a special present.

Ø Fill a basket with items your pastor would appreciate: fishing lures, LWR coffee, golf balls, CD’s, cookies, etc.

Ø Present a skit honoring your pastor.

Ø If your pastor’s family lives far away, arrange a visit.

Here are some things individuals can do to express their appreciation for their pastor:

Ø Ask your pastor if you can go along on hospital and shut-in visits.

Ø Discover your spiritual gifts and actually DO something with them in your congregation.

Ø When you see your pastor during the week, tell her/him about the new insights you received as a result of last Sunday’s sermon.

Ø Invite your pastor to fishing, golfing, bowling or some other shared interest—without an agenda.

Ø Pray without ceasing for your pastor.

Ø Mow your pastor’s lawn (or rake it) anonymously while she/ he’s away from home.

Ø Ask your pastor how you can help her / him and then follow through.

Ø Lift up your pastor’s strengths at every possible opportunity.

Ø Compliment your pastor when she/he does something well.

Ø Tell your pastor you appreciate and are thankful for him/her.

Ø Be positive, supportive, and loyal; encourage others in your congregation to do the same.

Ø Share the good things your pastor is doing with others in the congregation.

Ø Encourage your pastor to be diligent about self-care.

Need more ideas? Here are some web sites: