15 Unique Pastor Appreciation Ideas (2023)
October is Pastor Appreciation month.
It's a unique opportunity to show our pastors how much we appreciate them.
I came across this verse in Hebrews yesterday. It says..
“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” -Hebrews 13:7
Many of us have pastors that have poured into our lives with sound teaching, discipleship, and the love of Christ.
Godly individuals with a shepherd's heart.
This blog post will share 15 ideas to show pastors how much we appreciate them.
Whether you’re looking for the best gifts for pastors, or you’re wanting a budget-friendly way to bless them, this guide of 15 pastor appreciation ideas will help you show honor to your pastor.
Plus, we’ve even included some pastor appreciation Bible verses you can use below..
15 Pastor Appreciation Ideas
Need some pastor appreciation ideas?
Whether you’re wanting a unique Christian gift to buy your pastor… Or you’re looking for some free ways to honor your pastor… we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the best ways to show appreciation to your pastor this year.
1. Gift Them God’s Fingerprint
The best-selling artwork from God’s fingerprints. God’s Fingerprint Screenprint is a truly unique gift for any pastor who loves God’s Word. It features one verse from every book of the Bible, hand-drawn into a fingerprint.
2. Write Them an Encouraging Card
There’s nothing quite like a handwritten card. If you want to show how much your pastor means to you, a personal card is one of the best ways you can honor them. Plus, it doesn’t have to cost you anything!
If you want to take it to the next level, encourage every family from your congregation to give your pastor a card on a specific day like Pastor Appreciation Day, Christmas, or your pastor’s birthday.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly card, you can print out our free Scripture Art and use it as a card for your pastor (more on that below!)
3. Give Them Free Scripture Art
If your pastor cherishes God’s Word, then one of the most unique gifts you could give him is Scripture Art.
But, if you aren’t able to afford giving scripture art right now, thankfully you can download and print off scripture art for free!
Check out our Free Christian Wall Art from God’s fingerprints.
4. Get the Kids to Create “Thank You” Art Projects
Another unique way to show your pastor some appreciation is by gifting them with handmade art. And, there’s nothing more heartwarming than a gift from a child.
Sunday school teachers are always on the lookout for creative ideas to get the little ones involved. Partner up with your Sunday school teacher (or a few like-minded parents) to get the kids to create some meaningful art for your pastor.
5. Create a Congregational “Thank You” Video
This is a unique way to show appreciation as a congregation. With the endless video-making apps today, it’s easier than ever to create a collaborative “thank you” video for your pastor. This could be a great way to honor your leaders.
Ask your church members to send you a quick video on their smartphones. Ask them to share a few words of appreciation. Then… surprise your pastor with an appreciative video from your congregation on a Sunday morning. They’ll love it.
6. Send Them a Premium Card
Do you want to write a meaningful message to your pastor? But… you prefer to buy a premium card rather than create your own?
Well, you may want to consider Tiny Verses from God’s fingerprints which you can send as greeting cards. These 4” x 6” art prints are a beautiful way to share God’s word with those you love.
The cards are printed on a premium matte paper that is easy to write on, and you can even add envelopes to your order. Your card will double as a beautiful print they can frame, so it’s a double-win!
7. Help Them With Community Outreach
Pastors often wear a dozen different hats. From preaching to sermon prep, to administrative duties, budgeting, event planning, missions, teaching, training, counseling, and more… They do just about everything in the church. They’re usually also involved in community outreach.
One of the best ways you can show appreciation to your leaders is by offering to help them with outreach. Whether that’s feeding the homeless, sharing Christ on the streets, or visiting the sick, one of the best ways to honor your pastor is to give your time—ministering side-by-side with them.
8. Send Them a Christian Phone Wallpaper
Pastors are always receiving the same gifts: Bibles, books, commentaries, etc. Instead, try gifting them with God’s word in another way: a brand new phone background.
You can download 75 Free Christian Wallpapers at God's fingerprints for free! Filled with scripture and encouraging artwork, this is a great way to upgrade your pastor’s phone to encourage them throughout the day.
9. Gift them With Premium Scripture Art
Want some premium gift ideas for pastor appreciation? If your pastor cherishes the Word of God, but they’re already sinking in commentaries, you may want to consider premium Scripture Art.
Scripture Art is a beautiful way for your pastor and his family to be reminded of God’s Word at home. It can engage others, plant seeds of faith, and draw loved ones closer to Jesus.
10. Give Them a “Day Off” One Sunday
If you want to give your pastor a meaningful gift then one of the best ways is to give them some time. Pastors typically work every Sunday without a break for years on end. If you want to make their day, then give them a day off.
Simply hire a guest preacher for the week or as an associate pastor or elder to fill in for them one Sunday. Your pastor will feel rested and refreshed to come back next week, and most importantly, they’ll feel honored.
11. Drop Off a Dessert
Not all pastor appreciation ideas have to be expensive. One of the simplest ways you could show them some appreciation is with a tasty treat.
Everyone loves a homemade cake or apple pie. Taking the time to make something delicious for your pastor displays the care and effort that a store-bought gift just can’t offer.
12. Invite Them Over for a Home-Cooked Meal
If you want to take your delicious gift to the next level, why not invite your pastor and his family over to your home for a home-cooked meal?
This is another budget-friendly way you can genuinely honor your pastor and his family. Breaking bread with fellow brothers and sisters in the faith is a great way to create meaningful connections and show the love of Christ.
Pastor Wife Appreciation Ideas
Pastor’s wives are often treated as an extension of the pastor. While this can be rewarding, it often means pastors' wives partake in the workload pastors face every week.
It’s just as important to show honor to your pastor’s wife as it is to show honor to your pastor. God’s Word says they are one flesh after all!
You should take the time to acknowledge and recognize your pastor’s wife's contributions to the church body. Here are a few pastor wife appreciation ideas:
13. Rose Gold Illuminated Fingerprint
Similar to God’s Fingerprint Screenprint above, this fine art print is a premium rose gold foil edition of God’s Fingerprint.
The Rose Gold Illuminated Fingerprint is one of four unique fingerprint art prints from the God’s fingerprints shop. It features one verse from every book in the Bible. This is a gorgeous conversation piece that’s most popular for the living and dining room.
14. Publicly Honor Your Pastor’s Wife
Another way to honor your pastor’s wife is by publicly recognizing and honoring them in front of your church body.
There are a few ways you could do this. You could either get people to come up to the microphone one by one to share a word of encouragement. Or, you could create a video for them if your congregation has a good video editor.
And… if you have other creatives in your church body, offering artwork, a song, or another creative gift could be a meaningful way to honor your pastor’s wife.
15. Babysit for Their Date Night
If there’s one thing that pastors' wives could use more of… it's date night.
Pastors are typically being pulled at all hours of the day, which often means ducking out of the house to take a call or meeting up with a church member who needs some support even into the evening.
It can be difficult for pastors to prioritize a romantic evening when they’re being called on to minister at all times.
One of the best ways you could treat your pastor’s wife is by offering to babysit the kids so they can go on a date night with their husband.
9 Bible Verses for Pastor Appreciation
There are plenty of passages in God’s Word that teach us how important it is to show our pastors and spiritual leaders appreciation.
Here’s what the Bible has to say about showing honor to our pastors:
1. Hebrews 13:7
“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”
2. 1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.”
4. Jeremiah 3:15
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
5. Isaiah 52:7
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
6. Ephesians 4:11-12
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
7. Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
8. Hebrews 6:10
“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.”
9. Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Wondering What to Do For Pastor Appreciation Month?
Well, there you have it! 15 unique pastor appreciation ideas and 9 Bible verses for pastor appreciation!
Just remember, no matter what you do for your pastor, doing something is better than nothing at all.
Pastors often go about their lives serving and ministering to others without expecting anything in return. Whether you buy them a meaningful gift or honor them with one of our budget-friendly ideas, they will definitely feel appreciated by your kind gesture.
Whether you’re showing your pastor some appreciation on their birthday, pastor appreciation day, pastor appreciation month, or Christmas, your acts of service won’t go unnoticed!
And… if you want even more pastor appreciation ideas… check out our blog post: 8 Best Gifts for Pastors (2022).
