If you have given your pastor one of these gifts before, don’t feel bad. But moving forward, don’t show your appreciation with these gifts.
By Eric Geiger
October is here, which means so is Pastor Appreciation Month. Very few folks celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, and I am not pushing for it to become a more prominent holiday on our calendars.
Also, pastors should be appreciated all the time, and not just one month a year. Pray for your pastors, pay them well, and give them time and space to love and lead their families.
At the same time, I am grateful for the few folks in every church who remember Pastor Appreciation Month, likely because the Christian radio station they listen to reminds them.
If you have given your pastor some of these gifts before, don’t feel bad. There is no condemnation here. Only grace.
And your pastor really did know you cared, was honored you remembered him, and likely thought, “It is the thought that counts.”
But I want to be helpful and encourage you not to get your pastor one of the following this year:
1. “Praying hands” pin
Hopefully he seeks the Lord for the joy of knowing God, for himself and his family, and for the church. But he doesn’t need another set of “praying hands.”
2. A leadership/church book you want him to read
If you hand your pastor a book with these instructions, “I really think you need to read this book. Please let me know your thoughts,” your pastor will likely not enjoy the book.
Your pastor will likely wonder the entire time what deficiency you think he has in his leadership/ministry that he must read about in the book. While he may benefit from the book, it surely won’t be a relaxing read that feels like “appreciation.”
3. A tie
I know this sounds cruel, but when he opens the box, he will be thinking, “How many times do I need to wear this tie so it looks like I am grateful?” This is especially true if the tie has Christian fish on it. Or a decorated Christmas tree.
4. A Bible
He already has one. If not, you need another church.
5. Tickets to a bad game
Many pastors like sports and going to games, but if you are just looking for a charitable way to offload the tickets you don’t want to the worst game on the schedule, please don’t think of your pastor first.
6. A card with nothing in it
The workman is worthy of at least a Starbucks gift card.
If your shopping list has been destroyed and you are asking yourself, “What should I get my pastor?” First, begin with this list: pray for them, imitate their faith, follow their lead, pay them well, and help them love their families well.
If you still feel compelled to get a gift, I suggest a gift certificate or a gift card. It may be to a great restaurant, for some books, or a sporting event or play (depending on the taste of your pastor).
A gift card allows your pastor to choose the books or choose the night to spend time with his wife. Include an encouraging note and you are golden. Save the “praying hands” for your uncle and the throwaway game tickets for StubHub.
ERIC GEIGER
Eric is the senior pastor at Mariners Church. You can find more of his writings at EricGeiger.com.
This article was originally posted at EricGeiger.com.
