appreciation 
noun 
ap· pre· ci· a· tion | \ ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən  , -ˌpri- also -ˌprē-sē-\ 
Definition of appreciation 
1a: a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude 

 

Mr. Webster offers helpful insight on appreciation. It can be a feeling or an expression.  

When it comes to our clergy, we may assume they know they are appreciated. We may congratulate ourselves for remembering to snail mail (or email) the note that says, “I appreciate you.” But if we really want to convey gratitude, let’s consider making that expression more tangible.  

In honor of those who tirelessly, faithfully (and often thanklessly) lead, serve and love on us, here are ten suggestions for expressing appreciation: 

1. Pray – and let them know you pray.  
If you do nothing else on this list, if you only read and do one thing, let it be this. It’s a heavy responsibility to lead a church. Your pastor is a human being just like you. He is expected to be a theologian, orator, teacher, businessman, human resources manager, leader, servant, and (on occasion) a plumber. He needs your prayer! Consider making the day of his birthday your day to pray intentionally and specifically for him each month. (If his birthday is June 17th, for example, pray for him on the 17th of each month.)

2. Go public with your praise.  
Private praise is a blessing, but when you announce to the world that you appreciate your pastor, it means a lot. Share a link to his sermon on your Facebook page with a comment about your take away. Quote him on Instagram. Speak out in your community group. Let him — and others — know you are learning and growing from his ministry. 

3. Stick up for ‘em. 
It’s human nature to find fault. “Haters gonna hate” … and sometimes even Christians give into the temptation to exhibit a critical spirit. When a fellow church member criticizes your pastor, choose to speak up and stick up for him. God might just use you to stop something before it starts!

4. Pick up the check. 
Invite your pastor for coffee … or lunch. Or consider inviting his entire family out for lunch after church. That will be a treat for him and his wife – especially if you pick up the check!

5. Date Night. 
Sometimes a pastor is so busy meeting everyone else’s needs that there’s little time left for his wife. Dinner and movie out alone can break the budget; add in the cost of a babysitter, and date night might be impossible for many pastors with young families. Consider providing date night – gift cards AND babysitting! As my husband likes to say, “Happy wife, happy life!” 😊

6. Office Surprise. 
Most pastors set aside a time weekly to meet with the rest of the staff. These meetings might include brainstorming, planning, praying, and preparation. As they collaborate together, some snacks and treats might be a welcome surprise. Consider dropping off a basket of salty snacks, chocolate bars, or even a plate of homemade cookies.

7. Personal Parking Spot. 
A few years ago I was honored to be the speaker for a women’s retreat at Union Valley Baptist Church in Beebe, Arkansas. As soon as I drove onto the parking lot, I knew how much they loved their pastor. Both he and his wife had designated parking spots. The signs on each spot made me chuckle ⁠— and they honored this precious couple! Maybe you could do the same for your pastor and first lady. Here are snapshots of those signs: 8. Corny Gifts That Make a Point. 

— Deliver a mum with a card that says, “This MUM’S for you and you are appreciated very MUMCH!”
— Share football tickets with a note that says, “You will always be a winner to us!”
— Deliver homemade cookies or chocolate with a note, “Your ministry is a sweet blessing to our congregation!”

9. Gift Cards are Always a Hit.  
I recently told my daughter (who has a birthday coming up) that gift cards seem a bit of a “cop-out.” She quickly pointed out that while they take little effort, they are often the most appreciated of all gifts. When I thought about it, I realized this is true; a gift card allows the recipient to use it on his own schedule, and in the way he chooses. Whether Cabela’s, Chick-fil-A, Wal-Mart, or Exxon, your pastor is sure to appreciate a gift card of any amount. 

10. Expand to Clergy Appreciation Month. 
Why should Clergy Appreciation be one day only? This year’s Clergy Appreciation Day is this Sunday, October 13th. Consider collaborating with other families: each of you take one day, and bless your pastor each day during the rest of October. Next year, work together to extend your expressions of appreciation for a full month. Plan out all of October in advance. The whole church may want to do something on the second Sunday to honor your pastor, but in addition, each family can choose one of the remaining 30 days to show support and appreciation in some way.

The writer of Hebrews challenges us to: 

…encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, 
so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  
Hebrews 3:13 

We are all in need of encouragement, but perhaps no one more than our pastors. Many of us cannot comprehend the struggles and challenges our clergy (and their families) face in daily service of the Lord. When we love on them, it both uplifts and protects them.  

Leave us a note below and let us know how you plan to encourage your pastor!

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