Pastor. Appreciation. Gift. Three words that seem to strike to the very core of so many congregational members every year. There are always concerns if the gift is heartfelt enough, or if it is personal enough. Is it too cheesy? Is it too much? Is it too little? I have seen saints frozen in indecision, and then rush to decisions that they soon regret or apologize for.
In truth, this really goes against the very practice of Pastor Appreciation in the first place. While we Pastors always appreciate any gesture or gift, we certainly do not want it to be a source of turmoil, hardship, or embarrassment. Often, the decision simply comes to giving a gift of money, which while always appreciated, often comes with question marks of enough/too much.
The Many Hats of a Pastor
While every church is certainly different, the many roles of a Pastor are pretty similar despite their congregation size or religious beliefs. Of course most Pastors are teachers, counselors, and spiritual guides. They also can be child care, lawn maintenance people, secretaries, financial officers, and from time to time, even Sunday School puppets. In fact, I have even written a full puppet show for a Halloween program, played the part of a puppet, and then stepped out from behind the curtain to finish with a matching sermon.
I think this lends to why Pastor Appreciate gifts are so difficult. I bet your Pastor fills so many different roles in your life, you simple don't know which one to honor. Or, you haven't yet developed a close enough relationship, but you don't want your gift to seem impersonal or distant. Trust me, I get it.
7 Categories for Pastor Appreciation Gifts
As I mentioned before, every church is different. That is what makes them great! When you find the church that is able to provide the spiritual food for your soul, while also fitting the practical needs of your life, you are home! And home is different for everyone! As such, there really is not a "sure fire" list of actual gifts to go by. But, by targeting some of these key categories, I hope to provide some options that make the process easier and more personal for everyone.
Gift Category 1: Spiritual Tools
This is perhaps the most common route that I have seen members of my churches go. And in truth, this is not a bad way to go! The most common option is of course a specific version of the Bible, perhaps with a different concordance or commentary to aid in study. While this is always a wonderful option, I personal have enjoyed it most when the gifting member either inscribed the bible, or identified/highlighted key scriptures throughout the were meant for encouragement, support, or inspiration. That little personal touch goes a LONG way.
Perhaps one of my favorite and most used gifts has been a set of oils from Isreal for anointing. This set of 3 anointing oils, placed in a handsome carrying case, has come in handy for so many in home or hospital visits. I keep them one set in my vehicle, and another smaller set in my briefcase when I am on the go. If you have a Pastor who is actively visiting the sick, this personal touch would be a great "spiritual tool" pastor appreciation gift.
Gift Category 2: Business Tools
Not to be confused with Spiritual Tools, these are more practical in their day to day usage. While the congregation facing time of the Pastor may only be a few short hours a week, the work of the Pastor is constantly going. There are financial needs to take care of, reports and meetings, and of course study and preparation. A Pastor is often very much a business person for God!
Helpful tools here include laptop cases or iPad covers, special charging devices, or even headphones to wear while writing their weekly lessons. I realize that it may seem silly, but a quality pen set is actually a great way to go! For one celebration, I had several members of my congregation come together and gift me an amazing MontBlanc pen that I have treasured and enjoyed for years. In various formal situations, I have felt more confident and assured of myself when reaching for this classic pen.
Gift Category 3: Household Items
Despite what some may believe, at the end of the day, your Pastor is just a person. They are a man or woman with a home, perhaps a family, and a regular life outside of the spiritual. Some people still have a hard time believing that!
As such, Pastor Appreciation gifts that help aid in the comfort or enjoyment of time at home can be greatly treasured. Coffee makers, bread machines, and various electronics are always a great route to go. I have had a congregation member who had been to my home several times notice that I typically had my study material and laptop not on my desk, but around an old leather chair that I loved. So, he gifted me a simple yet beautiful floor lamp to help me read by. I am not sure I have used any other gift more!
Gift Category 4: Hobby!
It never seems to fail; if you listen to any Pastor or Minister long enough, you will eventually hear about their hobbies. Gardening, golf, kayaking and bike riding are of course quite common. Or perhaps they are a bit more introverted and enjoy reading, writing, or doing puzzles. Once you key in on those hobbies, it is a great way to create a more personal relationship with your Pastor, and it even lets them know you've been paying attention!
I recall one year returning to my office after a leadership meeting to find a small gift bag on my desk. The card explained it was from a new young couple who had recently begun attending the church. I had the couple over for dinner one evening to get a chance to know them better, and during our conversation we had talked about a shared love of grilling. On the card was a QR code directing me to a YouTube channel dedicated to grilling, and in the bag was a 4 pack of seasoning that was featured on that episode. From that moment forward, we have shared a more personal friendship and relationship!
Gift Category 5: Family
Speaking for most Pastor's that I know, there is little that makes us feel more appreciated than when a saint of the church takes time to honor our family. The work of the Lord is often one that places a lot of strain on our families; we miss parties, school events, and family time in our duties to the church. While we do our best to compensate and ensure our family does not feel neglected or forgotten, hearing a congregation member praise them for their works truly touches our hearts.
So if you hear that your Pastor's spouse or their children have a particular interest, any gift targeted to that would be a great way to honor them. I have had two very special gifts that were given to me for my family. I have a daughter who is incredibly skilled in crafts, specifically crochet. Wanting to have something to do with my daughter, I mentioned to some friends that I was going to have to take up crochet as well. They laughed at first, but a few days later I found a package on the hood of my truck with a note that quoted Psalms 127 "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." Inside the package was a crochet starter kit for me to take home and spend time with her.
The second is one that could be given to really anyone with a family. My wife was presented with a gift, and when opened she found two identical packages. Inside were two digital photo frames, along with a handwritten suggestion. The note explained that since I was often at the church when my kids came home from school, that I should send them a new picture every day of an event during my day, to greet them. And in return, they would send me a new photo each day as well. The gift alone was very appreciated, but the suggestion is one that I continue to practice still today!
Gift Category 6: Gift Cards
I know, I know, this is far from inspiring or original. You can find gift cards at every gas station and grocery store in America. Allow me to explain a slightly different take, however. While money itself is also an option, often the goal of Pastor Appreciation is to find a way to allow them to splurge on themselves. Money typically will end up paying a bill or funneling back to a church project that needed just a bit more funding. While that is certainly a wonderful gift and always appreciated, it leaves the "Pastor doing something for themselves" out of the loop.
An Amazon gift card, or a gift card to their favorite local restaurant? Those help encourage the Pastor to do something nice for themselves or their family. And don't worry about it not seeming personal; simply include a nice note or scripture to go along with the gift.
Gift Category 7: A Getaway
This is a big gift, and depending on the size of the congregation may not be possible. But I have had Pastor friends who were given "Vacation Packages" for themselves and their family from the entire church. Some were a simple 2 day retreat at a nice hotel with money for expenses. Others, in larger churches, were given all expense paid cruise packages. Typically the Pastor's significant other is involved in the planning, to make sure that scheduling and such can be arranged.
The gift of rest, relaxation, and recharge can reap tremendous rewards to a church. It allows the Pastor to step back and recharge while spending time with their family. They can return to their congregation inspired and ready to carry forth with the will and the Word of God. Who knows, they might even meet someone on their travels and invite new people to the church!
The Pastor Appreciates
I hope these categories help in some way. My final suggestion; just appreciate your Pastor in any way you see fit. If its not a gift, write them a letter, an email, or send them a text simply thanking them or offering encouragement. Small gestures like that are appreciated more than you will ever know. May the Lord bless you and your Pastor!
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