5 Ways to Make Pastor Appreciation Month Awkward
By Dr. Matt Henslee
It’s October. Temperatures are dropping, leaves are falling, and candy corn bags are opening. And with it, comes the arrival of Pastor Appreciation Month.
Many articles have been written about how to honor and bless your pastor, but I thought we could use one about how pastors can make this Pastor Appreciation Month the most awkward one ever. But before I do, a word: Being a pastor is one of the greatest privileges I can fathom; it truly is an honor. Preaching the Word of God to the people of God and getting a front-row seat to His work is an indescribable joy.
Thus, most pastors aren’t in it for monetary gain, notoriety, or even appreciation. Most are content to faithfully serve their churches with little to no notice or recognition here on earth. We love our people well and lead them with grace.
Similarly, many churches love their pastors and show appreciation throughout the year. I remember how as the pastor of Mayhill Baptist not a week went by without a church member reaching out, for example, asking to babysit our kids so we could have a date.
Still, I think church members going the extra mile during October is a blessing for the pastors who labor so well week in and week out. But pastors, want to make it awkward? Do the following …
1. Expect to be appreciated
You labor in the pulpit, visit shut-ins, and work long hours. You always go above and beyond. But that’s OK because October is coming, which means you’re finally going to get the recognition you deserve.
Pastor, we don’t preach for applause; we preach because we’re called. Whether your church shows its appreciation in a tangible sense or not, your labor is not in vain. You are seen, known, and loved by the Father. That is infinitely better than a gift card to Cracker Barrel.
2. Ask for appreciation
Hey, announcements are already awkward. Why not make it double-awkward by reminding your people that it’s Pastor Appreciation Month and, after all, you’re worthy of double honor? If you want to make this month awkward, ask for some appreciation.
Let others ask, pastor. Don’t make things awkward by asking for yourself. Instead, try the Golden Rule and maybe show some appreciation online for pastors who have shaped or encouraged you. You never know; your folks may follow suit.
3. Complain on social media
Social media can be toxic. If you’re trying to make Pastor Appreciation Month awkward, you might as well use your page to passive-aggressively complain about your church’s lack of appreciation with something like, “It sure is nice to see how some churches are honoring their pastors this month. Must be nice!”
If you didn’t get a gift, it’s okay. Don’t immediately think they don’t appreciate you; maybe they just forgot. Whatever you do, don’t be a boobird on the bird app.
4. Gloat or flaunt your gifts
Did you get a fat bonus? A weekend getaway to a luxury hotel? Then, by all means, share it for the world to see. Do whatever you can to make sure everybody knows you pastor a church that really knows how to appreciate their pastor.
Pastor, I think it’s good (and right) to give thanks—maybe even publicly. But be careful that your gratitude doesn’t turn into gloating or flaunting.
5. Covet others’ gifts
You saw the post from that particular pastor who makes you a little jealous. His church is sending his family to Disneyland. Sure would be nice, huh? If options one through four won’t make this month awkward enough, covet the gifts other pastors receive.
This one should speak for itself, pastor, especially with the Ten Commandments. Trust me, the grass is rarely, if ever, greener on the other side. Be content with what you have, even if it’s only a handwritten note from a member.
There’s nothing wrong with Pastor Appreciation Month, and many churches do well in showing their appreciation for their pastors all year long. But pastors can make it awkward by coveting, griping, gloating, expecting, or asking. Don’t do that.
Instead, lead and love your people well this month and every month for God’s glory and not for your earthly “attaboys.” While it’s nice to receive some temporal appreciation, and you probably deserve it, know that the reward to come is infinitely greater and better than any gift you could receive this month.
Church member, God has blessed you with a pastor. Show him some extra love this month. Take him out for coffee, provide a night out for him and his wife, or write him a note with some specific things for which you are thankful.
He needs it, probably more than you realize.
This article originally appeared on Lifeway Research.
