Pastor Appreciation Ideas

Pastor Appreciation Day 2010 was October 10. If you missed it, don't worry - you can appreciate your pastor year-round. Just be sure you mark your calendar now for Pastor Appreciation Day 2011 (also known as National Clergy Appreciation Day 2011), coming up on October 11, 2011.

According to Hallmark.com, Clergy Appreciation National Day of Honoring is always the second Sunday in October. The celebration was established in 1992 with a mission is to uplift and encourage pastors, missionaries and religious workers. Furthermore, all of October is National Clergy Appreciation Month, or Pastor Appreciation Month - whatever you prefer to call it.


Favorite pastor appreciation verses or scriptures include...
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
"Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you.  Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do."  (NCV)

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (King James Version)


Popular ideas for pastor appreciation include gifts such as poems, cards, skits, letters, plaques, or speeches. Many churches will hold a special sermon or program. Some congregations looking for a little pastor appreciation humor will hand out printable awards like these funny certificates.

No matter what you do, follow the Apostle Paul's advice and "esteem them very highly in love". And not just on Pastor Appreciation Day - but year-round.