Easy Ways to Thank Our Pastor

1. Pray for them. 

What better way is there for you to uplift your pastors and church leaders than through approaching the throne of grace with confidence?

The Lord hears the prayers of His people, and the Lord cares for the leaders of His people. Take time regularly, each day even, to pray for the men and women on your church staff. Pray for their emotional well-being, their physical strength, their spiritual wellness, and any specific needs you know. This is definitely the simplest and perhaps most impactful way you can support your church leaders.

Before you do any of the following, be sure to pray. 

2. Write them encouraging letters.

Being approached after a sermon and hearing how the Lord convicted or encouraged people

through the Word is great. But letters of encouragement, especially handwritten ones, are true treasures.

What should you write?

• Share some Scripture that may be encouraging to them.
• Tell them about how the Lord has been using their ministry to make you more like Jesus.
• Write about how you saw a friend come to Christ.
• Your pastors and church leaders will appreciate anything encouraging. 

3. Serve in the church. 

Churches are always looking for more volunteers.

Willing hands and warm hearts are so needed in the local church, especially when it comes to children’s ministry or nursery help.

How can you encourage your church leaders by serving? 

• Start by asking your leaders where they need help.
• Spend a couple of months being a greeter.
• Sign up to be on the monthly rotation for parking lot duty.
• Volunteer to hold and pray for babies while their parents worship in the sanctuary.

Any service you offer will be helpful for your church leaders. Simply ask where help is needed and be willing to be a faithful servant.

4. Encourage their families. 

Occupational ministry is a family affair, even if the pastor is the only family member working in the church. Late nights, working weekends, phone calls in the middle of the night—the demands of ministry affect more than just the one in the role.

Encourage the families of your church leaders in much the same way you encourage your church leaders: prayer, notes and acts of kindness. 

5. Speak well of the church. 

One of the most discouraging parts about leading the people of God is hearing them talk bad about others in the church. Don’t gossip about the bride of Christ. The body of Christ is a wounded body because it is made up of wounded people. Don’t add salt to its wounds. Speak of the bride of Christ as you would like someone to speak of your spouse. October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Don’t just give a card — be an encourager.