October is Pastor Appreciation Month and as a pastor’s wife (and daughter) I know the kind of pressure pastors face. Besides the weight of responsibility that comes with regularly preaching/teaching God’s Word, they also bear the joys and burdens of the church. The Apostle Paul lists the dangers he has faced, then adds, “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:28) Pastoring is such a privilege, yet it can often lead to burnout, especially when pastors are unable to see the fruit of their labor.

Like all people, pastors need to be appreciated. Although they live and minister to please God, a little encouragement from brothers and sisters in Christ is so valuable. I love seeing others affirm my husband and father. Of course, I also love the benefit this brings me and my family as well! Over the years, beloved friends have shown appreciation in lots of sweet, thoughtful, and unique ways.

My husband loves telling others how, at the suggestion of a close friend and church member, our deacons bought him a rifle for Pastor Appreciation one year (remember, we live in Mississippi, y’all!). Our Asian friends are shocked! 

If you are looking for ways to appreciate your pastor, here are 10 things that have a meant the most to my husband (and me, too) for Pastor Appreciation over the years.

10 Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor

10. Give Money or gift cards

Every pastor needs an excuse to splurge occasionally on a material item or a night out at a nice restaurant. We always appreciate these thoughtful gifts, big or small.

9. Offer to Babysit

Sometimes the hindrance to a much needed date night is the availability of a good babysitter, especially for pastors who do not live near family. Spending time loving on your pastor’s kids for a couple hours or even an evening provides a much needed respite. One elderly lady in our church who has gone to be with the Lord gave us a regular day out. She adopted us as her grandkids and would insist on watching our kids for at least half the day several times a year. 

Now we have teenagers who are able to babysit, but sometimes they need a break, too! This past year one of our deacon’s wives got together a list of people willing to babysit. It was such a thoughtful idea!

8. Give Time off

Your pastor is on call 24/7. He spends time preparing sermons weekly while ministering to the congregation and community. Sometime he just needs a Sunday off. How about giving him the evening off on Pastor Appreciation Sunday? Or maybe even invite a guest speaker so he can be filled.

6. Share Words of Encouragement

Personal conversations, phone calls, texts, emails, or cards sharing encouragement mean so much to your pastor! So many times my husband will show me a text someone sent. “Can you believe he said that? That is so nice,” he might say. When he is feeling down, God often uses some small word from a friend (you are friends, not just church members) to change his outlook. Although he doesn’t think he deserves praise, especially when he has lost his temper with his children or showed his humanity some other way, but that’s when he needs it most.

5. Extend Grace

Remember your pastor is a blood-bought sinner just like you. Give him grace when he says the wrong thing, misses visiting your relative in the hospital, or his sermon isn’t quite up to your expectations. He strives to live for Jesus both in and outside the church, but perfection is only possible for Jesus!

4. Send him to a Timothy Barnabas Retreat

As a church body, send your pastor and his wife to a Timothy-Barnabas Retreat. Several years ago, one of the ladies in our church asked a revival preacher for pastor appreciation suggestions. He told her about the event; she talked to the deacons and made it happen. This year will be our third conference, and it has been such a blessing! TheTimothy-Barnabas Retreat is a wonderful getaway full of encouragement and relaxation with kindred spirits in the ministry.

3. Participate in Church Life

Hardly anything is more discouraging to a pastor than empty pews on a regular basis, or low turn-out for a special guest or event. Your presence is so encouraging to your pastor. You can show him you appreciate his ministry just by showing up faithfully.

2. Pray for Him Regularly

If things are going well at church, be sure your pastor is under attack somewhere in his personal life. If things are not going well at church, he feels the burden of responsibility greatly and can take it personally. Remember, he carries the burdens of many people in both the church and community. He hurts when his sheep hurt, and, sometimes, it’s a whole lot of hurt.

1. Grow in your relationship with Jesus

Your pastor’s number one desire is to see you grow in your relationship with Jesus. Tell him when God shows you something new or is working in your life. Better yet, let him see it in action. 

In the last few years, several men in our church have stepped up and begun serving Jesus. God has changed a couple of them from men who barely looked people in the eye to men willing to help lead in their families and church. Although he knows God causes the growth, it is also partly fruit of his labor as a pastor. Seeing you grow encourages him to persevere even when he can’t see God working.

Remember, your pastor loves you and serves much more than you can see on Sunday. Don’t put him “on a pedestal,” but showing him honor is Biblical. (1 Timothy 5:17)

How do you show appreciation for your pastor? Share in the comments. I’d love more ideas!

Your pastor loves to see you living out and sharing your faith. Need a simple outline to share the gospel? See Know Jesus or What is the Gospel Anyway.