But during that phone call, I realized that one of the greatest gifts someone in his church could have given him at that moment would have been a simple, hand-written card or a quick text of gratitude for his faithfulness to the congregation. I was also struck by another thought: How was the congregation supposed to know he was in such need of encouragement?
Doing so would seem grossly self-serving. Of course not. I transitioned out of my pastoral role in the local church about a year ago. I now focus on caring for and investing in hungry kingdom leaders—mostly pastors and church planters. It felt too self-serving and … complicated. My family and I were part of a healthy church.
I share these things on behalf of pastors who feel what I once felt but who do not feel comfortable saying anything about it. Here are a few of the most memorable gifts I received from people in our church for Pastor Appreciation Month.
For a handful of years, a family in our church ordered the pastors a tin of gourmet popcorn and gave it to us with a card at the end of October. Each mouthful of popcorn was a tangible reminder that my presence was appreciated.
It was a shared memory with good friends that remains with me. Last year a landscaper in our church planted tulip bulbs in our yard.
I love flowers, and he knew it. When they bloomed this spring, I smiled each time I walked by them as I was reminded that he and his family were grateful for us. I felt seen, loved, and appreciated. Each expression was intentional and thoughtful. Gift cards are great, but these gifts were especially significant because they were creative and original.
Pastors have told me they wept tears of joy when they read an out-of-the-blue note of encouragement. Whatever you do—a sincere Facebook shout out, a two-minute word of affirmation during the Sunday announcements, a heart-felt email, a handwritten note, or an arm around your pastor in the hallway between services—know it carries more weight than you may realize.
They may not preach as well as you prefer, pray as much as you deserve, counsel as well as you need, or lead as well as you desire. They know this because they feel it deep in their bones and because congregants are often quick to tell them so. Ministry can be difficult. Still, most pastors are trying their best to serve and lead and pray and listen and preach and love as faithfully as they can.
Password recovery. Holidays Calendar. Conclusion Pastor Appreciation Day is the perfect holiday to show your pastor, priest or minister just how good of a job one is doing and to give one encouragement to keep up the good work. When is Pastor Appreciation Day? Where is Pastor Appreciation Day celebrated?
There is no specific location where this holiday is celebrated. Show all 0 locations. Have elders speak words of appreciation and encourage members to send in or share stories. Hold a time of fellowship and celebration after service for members to personally thank the pastor for service.
Send your pastor on aretreat find some good ones here : A pastoral retreat is a great gift of restoration. Ashley DeKock. Previous A Tale of Hospitality. Next 6 Inspirational Resources for Writing Sermons. Related Posts. Church Relevance Digital Delivery. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Accept Read More. Necessary Always Enabled.
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