5 Ways To Appreciate Your Pastor

October is "Pastor Appreciation Month."  This is kind of like a wedding anniversary.  We are supposed to love and appreciate our husbands and wives everyday, but the anniversary is just a solid reminder that we sometimes forget, and it affords us a chance to do something special for them on a special day.  With just a few days left in October, here are some easy ways for you to let your pastor know how much you appreciate his hard work, sacrifice, and service to you and your church.

1.  Pray for him - I don't mean throwing up a quickie to the Lord.  I am talking about praying some specific things, maybe even on your knees.  Ask God to protect him, encourage him, care for his family, give him rest at night, make the Word come alive to him, defend him against depression and accusations, and anoint him when he preaches.

2.  Encourage him - Take a moment to send him an email, a text, a Facebook message, or better yet...an old-school handwritten letter or card.  Tell him that you love him, pray for him, and that you've got his back no matter what.  And don't get offended if he doesn't answer his phone or get right back to you.  He is a pastor and he has alot going on.

3.  Give him a gift - Pastors are people.  Most people really appreciate gifts.  It lets them know that they are important to you, that you were thinking about them, and that you spent some money on them.  Don't tell yourself, "Oh he doesn't need anything, the church takes care of him."  YOU are the church.  Take care of him!.  Do something generous and bless him.  Our family used a $25 gift card to Cracker Barrel this past weekend, which was a great blessing from friends at our church.

4.  Be kind to his family - The pastors family is often the most overlooked and under-appreciated family in the church.  People assume they are impervious to discouragement and never need anything.  So send his kids a gift, get his wife a gift card to her favorite store or restaurant, or if you have the means, send the entire family away to your beach house or mountain house (or just send the pastor and his wife away to a bed and breakfast overnight and arrange to take care of their kids while they are gone).

5.  Understand his situation - This is the most essential element of appreciating your pastor.  You must understand him and what he does, and the pressures that he is under.  Realize that his life and calling are totally unique and that he faces things that you would never even dream of going through.  Don't be jealous or envious or judgmental.  Instead, be an advocate, a friend, a fan, a prayer warrior, and an armor bearer.  Be a support for his wife and kids.  And always give him the benefit of the doubt.

What are some specific ways you can encourage your pastor not just during October, but on a regular basis?