October is National Clergy Appreciation Month, a time set aside to recognize the contributions and service of pastors, priests, reverends, ministers, and all other clergy members. Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures. Their lives are played out in a fishbowl, with the entire congregation and community watching their every move. The good news is that we can make a difference.

The call to honor our church leaders’ contributions can be traced back to Paul. In establishing the first Christian churches, Paul advised the congregation to give “double honor” to the elders of the church who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

Given everything that our clergy do, we should take time to appreciate and encourage them and their staff members. These men and women can be celebrated in a variety of ways, through personal notes or gifts, a planned festive event, or just a simple thank you!

Here are seven ways to show your gratitude for their service and sacrifice:

  1. Send your pastor a greeting card or a handwritten note with a message of gratitude for him or her
  2. Ask your children to draw a picture or create other artwork for your pastor or Sunday school leader.
  3. Volunteer to assist your pastor at a favorite ministry or charity organization, such as a hospital or nursing home.
  4. Take a group photo with fellow churchgoers in front of the church or other organization where the clergy member works. Present the photo as an already-framed gift.
  5. Give your religious leader a “thank you basket” filled with his or her favorite brand of coffee or pop, favorite snack, or hard-to-find allergy-friendly food items.
  6. Create a photo calendar with a picture of saints or inspiring Bible passages for each month of the year.
  7. Request contributions from your congregation to update your clergy member’s office with ergonomic chairs and keyboards, new software, new artwork, or other furnishings.

Pastor Appreciation Month is one way we can counter the negative erosion in the lives of our spiritual leaders with the positive affirmation they need. We will likely never know the full extent of discouragement our leadership feels at any given time — but our encouragement could be incredibly impactful.

So in October, remember to take a moment and show your church leadership how much you appreciate all they do!

Peace & God’s Grace,