What if the crazy missions people at church (us!) were also the ones who absolutely nailed Pastor Appreciation Month? We typically ask for a lot. What if we showed appreciation the best? How cool would that be? Very way cool!
First off, don’t get your pastor a Bible or a book on being a better pastor! And don’t regift a religious trinket, wall hanging, or mug! Of course, a shot glass with the Footprints poem on it would be an edgy exception to this rule.
Matt at the Ten-Minute Bible Hour leaned hard on several of his pastor buds, finally convincing them to tell him what they’d really like for Pastor Appreciation Month. The video is more fun, but the list of his ideas below is quicker!
- Fix something for them. Just take your “fixing things kit” to their house, ask what needs to be fixed, and knock it out for them!
- Take total and permanent responsibility for something at church. Tell your pastor, “I’ll take this off your plate to free you for other things.”
- Let them try something new. Maybe your pastor has been wanting to try something and you’re a gatekeeper who thinks it’s a bad idea. Back off. Let them give it a go.
- More books. Of their choosing! Consider a book budget, Amazon credit, or a Barnes and Noble card as appropriate.
- Offer some deep-level affirmation. Pick something about them, maybe non-ministry related, and tell them how they’re doing a good job as a parent, a spouse, a friend. Write a letter, not a card.
- Heal a relationship, then go together to tell the pastor it’s better now. You’re going to think this is crazy but go to the 9:30 minute mark on Matt’s video. This would be an amazing gift!
- Knock out a financial debt. Find one they’re wresting with of a size you and your buds can handle, and just kill it! You’ll give them a tax-free raise, instant relief from minor or major despair, and maybe some sweet momentum on their debt snowball.
If you’ve got a great idea for a Pastor Appreciation gift, I’d love to hear it.
