Clergy Appreciation Month has not always existed, but it should have. It is a biblical practice to show appreciation to those who serve as pastors and ministry leaders in our churches. These leaders carry out important work — mostly outside the purview of the congregation — week after week and it means much to them that we notice.
Paul exhorts us from Galatians 6:6, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” The phrase, “all good things” from this verse can surely include expressing our appreciation for what they do and how they do it.
Pastors, and others who may be part of a church staff, provide essential services to us. They serve as servants, shepherds, preachers, teachers, administrators, leaders, equippers, nurturers, encouragers, prayer warriors, evangelists, counselors, advisors and much more. Imagine your Christian life without those who do so much to lead you and care for you spiritually.
How can a church show appreciation to its pastor, or pastor and staff? Here are some suggestions:
1. Just do it. It is important that we take the time to say ‘thank you’ in a way that communicates love and appreciation to those who serve us. Find a way to honor them. Ask the deacons or the Personnel Committee of your church how we plan to honor our leaders. Since this has become a recognized tradition among many of our churches, it is noticed when it doesn’t take place.
2. Do something corporately, but also individually. It is certainly appropriate for the church to do something, but it is also great for individual church members to show appreciation. You can send a card expressing how your church staff has served you and your family. You could even give a gift card from their favorite restaurant or coffee shop.
3. Include the entire staff. If your church has multiple people on staff, then you will want to find a way to recognize all who are part of the team. These leaders work faithfully to serve the congregation, and it will mean the world to them that you noticed their good work.
4. It doesn’t need to be elaborate. Many ministry leaders are embarrassed by public recognition and do not want the worship service to be about them. There is nothing wrong with consulting with your pastor on the best way to show appreciation. It may by necessity take place in a morning service, but it could happen at the end of the service during the time of announcements. The deacon or other designee who speaks on behalf of the congregation could connect the display of appreciation to the words of the Apostle Paul from Galatians 6:6 or another appropriate Bible passage.
You may be surprised to learn how meaningful a simple act of appreciation would be. Writing a note, giving a gift card, discovering and gifting a favorite candy, treating the pastor and his wife to a date night with free babysitting could communicate your appreciation.
5. Remember your pastor’s family. I recently asked pastor and evangelist Clayton King his thoughts on Pastor Appreciation Month. He stressed the importance of remembering the pastor’s family. Oftentimes the sacrifice made by an entire family is overlooked — but appreciation shown to them can go a long way.
Thank God for those who answer the call and serve churches in accordance with their gifts and callings. God has gifted the church by placing spiritually qualified leaders in our midst. Let’s take this opportunity to remind them that we love them and thank God they have answered His call and serve us so faithfully.
Dr. Todd Gray 