Pastor Appreciation Month: 5 Ways to Show You Care

At For Richmond, we have the unique privilege of working with hundreds of pastors from a variety of denominations all around the Metro area.

The past two years have been grueling for pastors as they've led our church communities through a myriad of crises. According to Barna Research, 29% of pastors have given “real, serious consideration to quitting being in full-time ministry within the last year.” Now is the time to thank and encourage our pastors!

This October - Pastor Appreciation Month - is a great time for us as the Church to let our pastors know that we are “FOR” them. Here are five simple ideas to get you started:

Say Thank You & Be Specific

Thank your pastor with a hand-written note or card letting them know the specific ways you appreciate them and mail it to your church. If you have children at home, consider inviting them to draw a picture or write a note as well.

Give a Gift

Consider giving your pastor and his or her family a gift card to their favorite restaurant, bookstore, or coffee shop. Include it in your thank you note or drop it off at the church office. If you know of a project or volunteer need at church, offer the gift of your time.

Commit to Praying

Make a concerted effort to pray for your pastor and his or her family regularly this month and beyond. You can put a reminder note next to your coffee pot or set a timer on your phone, just remember to pause and pray.

Choose Not to Complain

If you're tempted to grumble or complain to your pastor about a church matter, ask yourself if it's really necessary to speak up or is it something you can let go.

Be an Advocate

Talk to your church leadership about giving your pastor an extra week of vacation in the next 12 months. You could also consider providing resources for your pastor to process with a mental health professional about all that has transpired over the past two years.

Now that you’ve decide to take action and encourage your pastor, take a moment to think about who you’ll ask to join you in this! You can share this post to give them ideas.