30 Ideas for Pastor Appreciation Month (from Pastors Themselves)

Pastor Appreciation Month is upon us. You’re looking for gift ideas, and I’m here to help!

I asked a group of over 1,500 pastors: “What are the top things people in your congregation have done, or could do, for you to show you appreciation during Pastor Appreciation Month?” Below you’ll find some of the top answers.

In addition, I’ll weave in my own ideas and insights from having served as a pastor.

What is Pastor Appreciation Month?

While the concept of appreciating our pastors originates from Scripture (see below), Pastor Appreciation Month (or more broadly, Clergy Appreciation Month), originated in 1992.¹

It is observed each October, with Pastor Appreciation Day being the second Sunday of the month.

Why observe Pastor Appreciation Month?

1. Scripture exhorts us to honor our pastors

The sentiment behind the practice is rooted in Scripture. For instance, 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 says “to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (see also 1 Tim 5:17–18). In Philippians 2:19–30, Paul publicly commends Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Church of Philippi, instructing the latter to receive and honor the former (2:29).

Likewise, the desire should be that those who “watch over your souls” would do so “with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Heb 13:17). Appreciating their labor for us is one way we can increase that joy.

Of course, we can—and should—show appreciation for and to our pastor(s) year round. And nowhere does Scripture command that we designate a certain month to appreciate pastors. So there’s no requirement to observe it. Nonetheless, Pastor Appreciation Month can provide congregations a dedicated time to do so in a special way once a year.

2. Honoring our pastors encourages them

This can foster a culture of encouragement and thankfulness as well as strengthen a healthy bond between church members and their pastors. The church is a family (1 Tim 3:15), a community that supports and cares for one another (1 Cor 12:25–27). That care ought also to extend to the pastor. Pastors not only care for us (Acts 20:28), but we should also care for them, reflecting mutual love and support.

Care ought also to extend to the pastor. Pastors not only care for us, but we should also care for them.

Pastor Appreciation Month also serves to lift spirits when pastors are exhausted, isolated, and discouraged, as many often are.² Pastoring is a joy, but it can also be challenging and draining. It often involves helping people through the darkest episodes of their lives, e.g., sin and tragedy. It’s frequently marked by conflict or even personal attacks. Meanwhile, society’s esteem of pastors has waned.³ Unfortunately, instead of being met with thanks and gratitude, pastors often find their labors are met with lack of appreciation or even criticism. All of this can erode morale.

Pastor Appreciation Month, then, provides a chance to encourage pastors amidst these “occupational hazards.” It’s an opportunity to remind them of what we sometimes take for granted, and that their labor is valued.

What to consider for Pastor Appreciation Month

So you’ve decided to do something for Pastor Appreciation Month. Now what?

1. The best possible gift you can give them

First, any pastor worth the title agrees with 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (emphasis added).

Indeed, this is what most pastors I spoke with had to say: The greatest way to show appreciation is simply by being a good church member. “Be present, involved, and invested in church life,” says one. “Listen eagerly to the sermons. Grow spiritually.” Another remarked, “Read the Word every day and look for opportunities to encourage others in Christlikeness.”

2. Both personal & practical gestures

Consider both practical and personal ways to show appreciation.

Good pastors are driven by a love for their people, not personal gain or convenience (1 Pet 5:2–4). So most pastors cherish gifts that have a personal touch, conveying genuine appreciation for their labor on your behalf. For instance, the most precious gifts I have received as a pastor were handwritten notes of appreciation from congregants. Or, if you have a pastor who loves a good joke, consider a humorous gift that’s personal to them.

Nonetheless, practical gifts are greatly appreciated, as well! Pastors often work long hours.⁴ Some pastors are bivocational or covocational, working outside the church. Additionally, pastors normally make a below-average income—and this often on top of student debt from a long seminary degree.⁵ Consider a practical gift that can ease their busy lives or alleviate some strain.

3. Both collective & individual gifts

Your congregation might coordinate to provide a collective gift. At the same time, one pastor I spoke to mentioned that he loved when individuals in the church did something for him all on their own.

4. All your pastors, not just the senior pastor

Consider all of your pastors and your elders (they are pastors, too)!⁶

5. A pastor’s family, too

Finally, don’t overlook a pastor’s family, if they have one. Consider how you might also show gratitude for their spouse and children, who inevitably feel the impact of pastoral ministry’s emotional demands and late-night meetings. Show appreciation for their sacrifice and reflect the church’s care for them, as well.

30 ideas for Pastor Appreciation Month

So what sort of gifts or gestures might you consider? Here are thirty ideas for you and your church:

1. Verbal affirmation or encouragement

The most basic way to show appreciation for your pastor is simply to offer an encouraging word. (Bonus: It’s also free, and you can do it whenever and as many times as you wish!)

• Stop them on a Sunday to share how God used a recent sermon of theirs in your life (Isa 55:11)
• Affirm that you see their labor for the church, and that this labor is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58; Gal 6:9; Heb 6:10)
• Maybe take them out to coffee and share your heart, disclosing what you appreciate about them and their ministry

2. Personal notes of appreciation

Provide handwritten notes of encouragement. You can do this all on your own, or your church might organize an effort to collect notes from across the congregation. This can include:

• Personal messages of gratitude, reflecting on tangible impacts of their ministry
• Encouraging Scriptures
• Handwritten prayers

I’ve often saved such notes over the years. It can be deeply encouraging when people acknowledge your labor, and to know that it is indeed making a difference.

3. Public recognition

You might also honor your pastor(s) during a Sunday service, offering public recognition of their labor and praying for them.

For instance, one pastor I spoke with mentioned that their church’s senior pastor dedicated a Sunday each week in October to honor and share his gratitude for a different associate or assistant pastor on his staff.

4. Thank-you video

Compile and present a video with messages from people from across the congregation. This can be a clean way to include more voices and capture the church’s collective appreciation. It also creates something memorable that your pastor can revisit.

5. Children’s art projects

Don’t forget to include the kids in Pastor Appreciation Month. Besides, who doesn’t love receiving a heartfelt drawing or craft from a child? Good pastors love to know their ministry also makes a difference in the children’s lives.

6. Photo album of ministry moments

A photo album (digital or print) of meaningful ministry moments (e.g., pastoral installation, baptisms, building renovations) is a nice sentimental keepsake. If your church has skilled photographers, consider enlisting their gifts here.

This celebrates their tenure and encourages them as they reflect upon the lives they’ve touched.

7. Memento or token of appreciation

Gift your pastor(s) a plaque or a framed picture to memorialize your gratitude for their service. Such items provide a lasting reminder of the congregation’s love.

8. Financial gift or bonus

Many pastors I spoke with said they appreciated getting money for Pastor Appreciation Month. A monetary gift offers practical support for personal needs or family expenses, demonstrating tangible appreciation. This is especially true for those pastors who do not receive a full or commensurate salary.

So consider taking a love offering or setting up a fund for people in the church to contribute to.

9. Gift cards

If giving money feels too on-the-nose, that’s why gift cards exist. Consider a gift-card:

• To a restaurant, letting pastors treat themselves and their family to a night out
• For a home improvement store to help fund a repair or other project
• Related to a hobby of theirs, so they can purchase something recreational for themselves

10. Gift basket or care package

Give your pastor a gift basket or care package filled with things like personalized items, favorite snacks, and a devotional book. This idea is both thoughtful and budget-friendly.

11. Snacks, treats, or coffee

Buy them their favorite types of candy or snacks. Or if they like coffee—I hear most pastors do!—maybe get them some high-quality beans along with a theology-themed mug.

12. Hobby-related gift

Many pastors I spoke with mentioned gifts they received that were tailored to their specific hobby (e.g., a hunting rifle or musical instrument).

Not only do such gifts encourage relaxation, they also show you’ve given attention to your pastor’s personal interests, making the gift both enjoyable and meaningful.

13. Personalized item

Gift your pastor a personalized item, such as a custom engraved premium Bible to use when preaching.

14. Event or group outing

Organize an outing or activity like a park picnic in celebration of your pastor.

15. Prayer gathering

One of the greatest gifts you can give to your pastor is your prayers. As a pastor, it’s a treasure to know that your congregation is regularly praying for you.

So consider hosting a dedicated prayer gathering to pray for the pastor’s health, family, and ministry.

One of the greatest gifts you can give to your pastor is your prayers. As a pastor, it’s a treasure to know that your congregation is regularly praying for you.

16. Paid vacation or getaway

Provide your pastor a chance to rest and rejuvenate by funding a vacation, purchasing them a stay at a hotel or resort, or buying them a voucher for a weekend getaway.

17. Sabbatical fund

Collect funds for your pastor to use in an upcoming Sabbatical.

Sabbaticals provide an opportunity for your pastor to:

• Rest and recover
• Invest in their own longterm health and ministry
• Pursue a research project they ordinarily don’t have time for

18. Guest preacher or “pulpit swap”

Have the church’s elder board⁷ arrange for a guest preacher to give your primary preaching pastor a week off of sermon prep.

Or have them organize a “pulpit swap,” where your primary preaching pastor trades places with a pastor from another church. Even though they’ll both still be preaching that Sunday, it can give them a week off of sermon prep by allowing them to re-preach an old message. (It’s also a great way to partner and foster a relationship between likeminded churches.)

19. Date night

Gift your pastor a date night with their spouse. For example, I once had a couple give my wife and I a gift card to a high-end restaurant in town and offer to babysit our children.

20. Time with family

Cover the pastor’s duties for a day to free them up to spend quality time with their immediate family. This gesture shows that you prioritize their family’s well-being.

Or if your pastor’s family lives out of state (e.g., they relocated across the country to move to your church), enable them to take that much-needed trip to visit their extended family.

21. Tickets & memberships

Buy your pastor tickets to an event, or purchase their family a membership to the children’s museum to attend year round.

For instance, a woman in my church once bought my family an annual pass to our local zoo. We made good use of it, taking our kids several times.

22. A break for their spouse

In addition to acknowledging your pastor’s sacrifices, acknowledge their spouse’s. For example, treat the pastor’s spouse to coffee. Or if they have small children in the home, offer to babysit the kids in the afternoon so you can send your pastor’s wife to a spa.

Bless your pastor by blessing their spouse.

23. Meals

Ease their daily schedule by delivering them a homemade meal. Or if you’re not much of a cook, have food from their favorite restaurant delivered directly to their home.

Maybe go above and beyond by coordinating a meal train for them across October.

24. Home repairs or service day

Some pastors are handy. But if they’re like me, they’re not a fixer-upper but a fixer-downer. (If I try to fix something, I’ll more often than not just make it worse.)

Whether or not your pastor is handy, consider volunteering to assist with yard work, fix a leaky sink, or change the breaks on their car, saving your pastor both time and money.

25. Office decor—or full makeover?

Buy them a work of art for their office or a bust of one of their theological heroes. Give their office a fresh coat of paint or some new furniture. One pastor shared that his church even surprised him by renovating his entire office!

These gestures demonstrate care for their daily work environment—and, by extension, care for the work they do.

I’ve also seen enough home remodeling episodes to issue caution here! Maybe consult their spouse for input first.

26. Books

What pastor doesn’t love books?

Support their ongoing development by giving your pastor a book on theology, a time-tested classic on pastoral ministry, or an inspiring Christian biography. If you’re in need of suggestions, see my list of book recommendations.

Alternatively, you might buy them a Logos gift card so your pastors can select a book for themselves.

Buy books in Logos where they’re supercharged with powerful research tools.

27. Bible study resources

Equip your pastor’s study and sermon prep by helping them build their library. Consider purchasing them a solid commentary set or Bible dictionary series. Need help? See my list of top resources for pastors.

Better yet, buy them a library in Logos, gifting them a complete pastoral library in one bulk purchase.

28. Ministry resources

Support their professional growth by providing them a paid subscription to a theological journal, magazine, or ministry cohort.

Consider also Logos’s MobileEd courses for ongoing education.

29. Conference

Send your pastor to an upcoming pastors’ conference, where they’ll be refreshed by rich teaching and encouraged by networking with other ministry leaders.

30. Logos subscription

Finally, if your pastor isn’t already subscribed, consider purchasing a subscription to Logos, the premier app for Bible study and sermon prep. Logos provides an extensive suite of resources and tools that both save pastors time and—more importantly—enable them to achieve greater insights into the text.

Contact our sales team to help you create an account or apply a subscription to their already-existing account.

Get Logos today!

Kirk’s E. Miller’s recommended books for your pastor

• Logos Digital Gift Card

Related articles

• Top Preaching Tools & Resources That Belong in a Pastor’s Library
• 4 Creative Pastor Appreciation Gifts for Pastor Appreciation Month
• 7 Ways to Bless Your Pastor
• 6 Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor All Year Long