October is clergy appreciation month. Although we are already over halfway through, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind people to show their appreciation to their pastors and ministers.

1. Send a message

Pastors are often thinking about their flock. Even when pastors don’t get around to send a message or make a phone call, I have been firsthand witness of the constant thoughtfulness in which pastors hold their congregants. Just like it feels nice when we receive a note from our minister telling us they are thinking about us, I can assure you it feels nice when ministers receive one from a congregant letting them know they are thought of and appreciated. Take the time to send a message, by writing a note or mailing  a card to let them know they are valued.

2. Check on your pastor 

It is one thing to let your pastors know they are appreciated. It is a different thing, though, to actively make room for a conversation or find space for them to open up regarding how they are doing personally. Ministering at a church can often be isolating, as the role separates pastors from the expectations others in the congregation may carry. It can feel overwhelmingly demanding at times, particularly from an interpersonal perspective. Even if you don’t feel comfortable “checking-in” in a more personal manner with your pastors, reach out to someone else in your congregation that can perhaps do so. That way, you know someone is looking out for them.

3. Collaborate

So much of the congregational work these days (I feel like) falls on pastors. People used to be so much more engaged in congregational life. Our culture has shifted away from church being at the center of our social engagements. However, we continue to hold on to a number of ministries and set responsibilities for pastors as if it were still that olden time. If you appreciate what your ministers have been doing, consider how you would like to get more involved in church life.  Reach out and ask your ministers where they see you getting engaged. What are the types of responsibilities with which you could help ease the burden? Although this may sound work related and not so much about the ministers, trust me, all the top notch pastors I know would be over the moon to be contacted by congregants asking these questions!

4. Give a gift

One of my love languages is gift giving. I also really appreciate intentional gift giving. I don’t care if it is a thrift store find or a fair trade treasure; I like it all. I love it when I mention something casually and someone remembers and surprises me with it. It doesn’t need to be expensive. For example, I remember a congregant-friend who worked at a thrift store got me an ornament they found while working there. This ornament was a beautiful painted clay Mexican angel. They got it for me because they just knew it was something I would like. I’ve hung it on my Christmas tree every year since. 

Showing appreciation through gifts should not be seen as vain or inappropriate. Aside from examples in the Bible, it is a tangible way to show appreciation. Not everyone has the gift of gift giving. If it’s not your thing, that’s OK! Think of something else, or maybe find out your pastor’s favorite coffee place and get them a gift card.

5. Be an ally and pray for them

Sometimes it is hard to know how to care for someone and how to let them know they are appreciated and important to the community. It is no different when thinking about how to care for our pastors. You can always pray for them and ask God to guide you in discerning how to care for your pastor. They too need people to look after their wellbeing and interests. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen in congregations. 

Who prays for the pastors? Being an ally to your pastor (and therefore being an ally to the overall health of your congregation) doesn’t only mean praying for your pastors; it’s also paying attention to how they are being treated by the congregation. Whether it is a contract renewal, a review process or feedback from a fellow congregant, you can get involved to observe and ensure that your pastor is being treated fairly and in a way worthy of a godly organization.