We have a few weeks left in Pastor Appreciation Month. As I think about this month, I’m reminded of some of the unique gifts church members have given me over the years. Perhaps one of these ideas will encourage you to honor your pastor this year.
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1. Painting the cabinets in our home. A brother learned that we were remodeling our kitchen, and he graciously took on this painting task — and did a much better job than I would have ever done.
2. Detailing my wife’s car. My wife was out of town, and I wanted to clean her car well before she came home. One of our small group members learned of this need and took care of it for me.
3. Giving me a handmade quilt with the names of church members on it. I received this gift a long time ago, but I still remember those loving, supportive church members every time I see it.
4. Updating and decorating my church office. I didn’t ask for it, but I was deeply grateful when church members surprised me with this gift.
5. Helping to pay for a trip to Israel. These church members didn’t cover the entire cost, but they gave what they could sacrificially give. My trip was even more special because of their gift.
6. Giving me a signed picture of the church. If you come to our home today, you’ll see a professional photograph of this church, including signatures of many of the members. Pam and I love those folks.
7. Cutting my grass during a busy season of life. A faithful church member knew I was especially busy at the time (and perhaps he saw my grass growing high as he drove by our home), and he took care of our yard for a month.
8. Creating a welding of a preacher behind a pulpit. A machinist who was a church member made it out of bolts and washers, and he did a masterful job in creating it. I still have it in my office today.
9. Giving us a monthly support check in a time of transition. I was officially no longer their pastor, but this loving couple helped us financially until we could get settled.
10. Sending reminders of prayers for my parents. Everywhere I’ve served, I asked believers to pray for my parents. I’m convinced that both my parents became believers prior to their deaths in response to these prayers.
11. Putting together a video of church memories and thanksgivings from church members. This church member was a techie long before it was cool, and he worked hard to create this gift. I still remember his joy when he gave it to me.
12. Taking me on vacation with their family. I was a single pastor at the time, and I seldom took time off. This family corrected that problem by inviting me to spend some time with them in Tennessee.
13. Inviting us to stay in their vacation guest house without cost. We couldn’t afford it . . . but we didn’t have to. They gave to us out of their generosity.
14. Making me a personalized “ice cream mitt.” This one sounds odd, I’m sure, but this church member heard me tell a story about eating a pint of ice cream that was painfully cold in my hand. We still have the mitt when we need it!
15. Giving me a pocket watch and chain. This gift — which I still have more than 40 years since I received it — is special to me because a teen church member saved his money to buy it for me.
I trust you will think creatively about showing appreciation to your pastor this month.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written by Chuck Lawless of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and originally published at chucklawless.com.
