Pastor Appreciation Sunday is a day to celebrate the work of pastors and other church leaders. It’s a time to express appreciation for all the things they do to help their churches run smoothly and support those who attend. This Sunday, we’re going to take a look at what makes a great pastor, and how we can show our appreciation for them. A great pastor is someone who is able to bring out the best in everyone they lead.
A great pastor understands that each person has something unique to offer, and they help each member find and develop their strengths. A great pastor also knows how to encourage people when they are struggling, and provide them with the support they need when things get tough. There are many ways we can show our appreciation for our pastors, but one of the most important things we can do is follow their lead. If you want your pastor to be more involved in your life—whether it’s through worship or ministry events—then be an active participant yourself! Show up on time (and early!), give it your best effort, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something or need clarification on some aspect of church policy or procedure.
Sermon to Honor a Pastor
Written by Marvin D. Patterson, The Heart of a Great Pastor
“Welcome to Heaven,” declares God, surveying the millions of humanity. I want the males to form two lines, and the women to follow Saint Peter. Draw two lines: one for the men who ruled over their wives on earth, and another for the men who were subjugated by their spouses. There’s a lot of movement, but after a while there are two lines and the women are gone. There are 100 miles in the line of men who were subjugated. There is just one man in the series of men who ruled women. “You men should be ashamed of yourselves,” declares God, who is enraged. You were all subjugated by your partners, who made you in my image.
Pastoral Thank You Sermon Scripture Verses
I have chosen to utilize 2 Corinthians 11:23b–29 as my text for this pastor appreciation day lecture. This is how the New English Bible (NET Bible) is written:
“Much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, and facing death numerous times” is what I have gone through. I received forty lashes less one from the Jews five times. I received three beatings with a rod. I was once given a stoning. I suffered shipwreck three times. I was out at sea for a night and a day. I have made many journeys where I have been in danger from rivers, from robbers, from my own countrymen, from Gentiles, from the city, from the wilderness, from the sea, from false brothers, from hard work and toil, through many sleepless nights, from hunger and thirst, from time to time without food, from the cold, and from inadequate clothing. In addition to everything else, I am constantly under strain from my nervous concern for every church. I am not weak, and who is weak? Who leads me astray, and I do not feel furious?”
Pastor Appreciation Sermon Outline
1. Opening Scripture
– Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
2. Thanking God for the Pastor
– Thank God for the pastor’s leadership, wisdom, and dedication to the congregation.– Encourage the congregation to join in prayer for the pastor’s continued guidance and strength.
3. Biblical Examples of Appreciating Pastors
3.1 Moses and Aaron
– Exodus 17:12-13: “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.”
3.2 Paul and Timothy
– 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8: “But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.”
4. Ways to Appreciate the Pastor
– Express gratitude through words of encouragement.
– Offer to help with tasks or projects at the church.
– Give a thoughtful gift or token of appreciation.
– Plan a special event or celebration in honor of the pastor.
5. Prayer for the Pastor
– Pray for the pastor’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
– Ask God to continue to bless and guide the pastor in his ministry.
– Invite congregation members to come forward and lay hands on the pastor as a symbol of unity and support.
| Prayer Points | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Strength and perseverance | Isaiah 40:31 |
| Wisdom and discernment | James 1:5 |
| Protection from spiritual attacks | Ephesians 6:12 |
6. Closing Remarks
– Remind the congregation of the importance of showing appreciation and support for their pastor.
– Encourage continued prayer and acts of kindness towards the pastor in the days ahead.
Sermons for Pastor Appreciation Sunday
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
The Bible tells us that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). When you pray, God hears your voice and answers in ways that are beyond imagining. The power of God is at work even when we don’t know how to understand what’s happening or why something happens the way it does.
The apostle Paul says that whenever he remembered his friends in Philippi, he prayed with joy because of their partnership in the gospel. Paul knew God had a good work for each one of them to do; therefore, he was confident that God would carry it through until completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It’s important to remember those who have helped you on your journey toward maturity as a Christian so that you can thank them today for all they’ve done for you!
It is proper for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.
The Bible reminds us that we should honor our spiritual leaders (1 Timothy 5:17), but it doesn’t say why we should do so. Part of the reason is because they are honoring God by serving others through their ministry. But there is another reason: those pastors are helping us grow spiritually!
The apostle Paul had many leaders who encouraged him when he was imprisoned at Rome around AD 60-62. In Philippians 1:7-8 he said, “But it has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation; but as it is written: “They will see what sort of house [or church] we lived in.” He also mentioned two specific people who helped him—Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25) and Timothy (Philippians 2:20).
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
In the second reading, Paul says we should be confident in the future because we have Jesus. We can be confident in our salvation because of what he has done for us by dying on the cross for our sins. We can be confident that when we stand before God, he will not look at us with anger or condemnation but with love and compassion. And even if he does punish us, it will only be temporary; eventually, we will receive a reward from him for all that good we have done during our life here on earth.
Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
Sermons are, at their core, a way to praise God. But another reason to give sermons is to praise people—the many who have helped us along the way. This Sunday is Pastor Appreciation Sunday, and it’s a perfect time for us all to take stock of those who have touched our lives in some way and show appreciation for what they’ve done.
Pastors are oftentimes called upon to share messages on Sundays or other occasions when someone wishes to thank others or express gratitude. For example:
- “The pastor’s sermon today was very inspiring.”
- “It’s Pastor Appreciation Day! I wanted everyone here today to know how much I appreciate your service as our pastor.”
Remember People who Have Helped us Grow Spiritually
As you look back at the spiritual journey you have taken, remember those who have helped you along the way. If a person inspired you to grow spiritually, thank them for that. If someone was there for you during times of need, say thank you. And if someone made you laugh when life didn’t seem so funny, tell them that their humor was what got you through.
Pastors Appreciation Message
Thank you to the pastor for leadership or service examples
- Thank you for all you do for the church and for helping people behind the scenes. Many people have a crisis that they don’t share with the entire church, and you have provided support for them. Your ongoing dedication is appreciated.
- I want to take a moment to recognize your leadership within the church. You are excellent at keeping everything organized and assigning tasks that are better done by others. Thank you for keeping us on track with God’s mission for our church.
- We are blessed to have you as the pastor of our church. Because of your example, many others are getting involved in our service programs. We are helping many in the community thanks to your guidance. The free food program is helping hundreds not to struggle as much each week!
- Thank you for being a wonderful example of how church members should serve each other. Your kindness and generosity are a blessing to everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing who the church will help next.
- You are an inspiring leader! Thank you for taking our church and our mission to serve the community to the next level. I hope many in the congregation will follow your example.
- Thank you for being so generous with your time. The way you quietly lead is inspiring. Because of you, I’m living a more biblical life.
- We are thankful for your leadership and service. So many young people have been helped to learn more about Jesus because of how well you can relate to their generation. [Child’s name] has been different since the mission trip. He’s much more generous with his allowance and looks for ways to help others.
Thank you letter to the pastor for preaching
- I want to thank you for your message last Sunday. I will be taking action and making some changes in my life. Your words were meant for me.
- Your messages in the current series on [topic] have been excellent. I have been looking for ways to implement the ideas. Yesterday at work was a start when I told a friend about [topic]. Thank you for sharing your inspiring words.
- Your sermon last Sunday was just wanted I needed to hear. Thank you for preaching in a way that I can relate to. I’m learning more about the Bible and Jesus than ever before. And I’m excited to share my faith with others.
- You are a wonderful preacher. Thank you for sharing God’s Word with us each week. I can tell that you spend a lot of time preparing. The lessons on Jonah challenged me.
- Thank you for your sermon last week. It was a refreshing way to hear about [Topic from the Bible]. I will be memorizing the verses that you pointed out.
- I am excited to attend church every Sunday. The way you tell stories is relatable and funny. I am sharing them with my coworkers on Monday and hope that one day they will decide to follow Jesus too. Thank you for sharing with the church every week.
- I am grateful for your preaching. I am growing closer to God because of what I’m learning on Sundays and studying during the week. Keep up the great work!
Short appreciation quotes for your pastor
Thank your pastor for something specific is usually better as it feels much less generic. But one sentence is better than none! Or you could add one of these sentences into a thank-you note to help make it a bit longer.
- Thanks for you all you do!
- You are the best pastor ever.
- Thank you for serving the flock so well.
- We appreciate your messages every Sunday.
- I enjoy your preaching.
- Thanks for being a fabulous preacher.
How To Show Your Pastor Appreciation
Pastor Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of October. While it may seem your pastor gets enough appreciation from their loyal fans or the satisfaction of a well-delivered sermon, your pastor could likely use some appreciation. Consider this article as the ultimate guide for Pastor Appreciation Day and perhaps you would consider taking the whole month of October to honor and appreciate your pastor.
Pastor Appreciation
Regardless of where you fall on the introvert/extrovert scale, regardless of your role in the church and regardless of how much you think your pastor likes you or doesn’t like you, you can and should appreciate your pastor. God calls us to appreciate those who are in authority over us.
We can easily and far too often take our pastors for granted. It can be easy for us to criticize them on how good of a job they did on their sermon, saying things like:
“I wasn’t a big fan of their sermon today.”
“I didn’t really connect with their sermon.”
“I think they could have done a better job preparing or delivering their message.”
We far too often forget that they are humans and have a life, family and other responsibilities they have throughout the week. We can easily think that a pastor is just there to serve us and deliver a sermon that we want to hear and if either of these doesn’t go the way we want it to, we forget that our pastor is also pastoring an entire congregation. If we didn’t like the sermon, we don’t trust that the Holy Spirit is working in and through the pastor, their message, and the church, and that someone in the church needed to hear that exact message. If we are not careful, we can fall victim to the spirit of entitlement, which becomes all about us. While this isn’t always the case and it might not be this extreme, it is something we should all take into account and keep in mind because isn’t that what it’s all about if the pastor’s message changes even one person’s life?
Before we go any further, let’s look at how Pastor Appreciation Day started…
The History Of Pastor Appreciation Day
Pastor Appreciation Day started as “Clergy Appreciation Day”, the idea of showing appreciation for your clergy, Pastors, or Leaders is very Biblical and can be traced all the way back to Paul’s New Testament letters. Paul mentions this idea in a number of different letters that he writes to the various churches. Paul says this in his first letter to Timothy:
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17 (English Standard Version).
Paul highlights the fact that our pastors should be considered worthy of double honor for assuming this role in His church and doing it well. But, typically, with double honor, you can expect double stress. this is why we need to make an even greater effort to celebrate and encourage those in leadership.
Clergy Appreciation Day/Pastors Appreciation Day was not commercialized until the early 1990’s. Hallmark Cards in 1992 and Focus On The Family led the charge in 1994 by making it a point to remind congregations to make the month of October special for their pastor. With the growth of media and technology, the idea that sprang from Paul has now evolved and diffused into even more congregations around the world.
Why Pastor Appreciation Is So Important
Obey your leaders and do what they say. They are watching over you, and they must answer to God. So don’t make them sad as they do their work. Make them happy. Otherwise, they won’t be able to help you at all. Hebrews 13:17 (Contemporary English Version)
Your leaders are entrusted to watch over the entire congregation, small group, family group, etc. This can be a very overwhelming task and one that can lead to a lot of stress, late nights, and coffee. Leaders have a tendency to serve, whether it is within their ministry or outside of the church walls; they simply love to serve and meet the needs of others. Whether it be time, money, meals, or encouragement, leaders love to lend a hand. It is important to notice everything that your pastor does for the congregation but what most people don’t realize is that they are not given back very often. They easily slip through the cracks and we assume that they are doing fine and getting their needs met. If everyone had this mentality, then no one would be giving back to their pastor. That is why this time of year is most important. We should all appreciate or learn to appreciate our Pastors or Leaders and encourage them as much as they encourage each of us. Remember, your congregation out numbers leadership. Imagine if everyone did their part and served consistently. At the end of the day, your Pastor is still a part of the body of Christ, just like us and they should be treated in the same way we treat our other brothers and sisters. Sure, they hold the title of Pastor, but this means nothing different except that they are entrusted with the well-being of the entire congregation.
This is the one time during the year where we are reminded to consider our Pastor, think specifically about their needs and how you can personally or as a congregation encourage them and their families. We should all appreciate our Pastors or Leaders and encourage them as much as they encourage each of us. At the end of the day, they are like you and me; they are a part of the body of Christ just like us and they should be thought of and encouraged in similar ways. Just because they hold the title of Pastor, we should not treat them differently. They are held to a higher calling and are entrusted with the well-being of the entire congregation.
How To Celebrate Pastor Appreciation
Gifts are a great way to show your appreciation. Gifts come in many different shapes and have a range of prices on their tags. On one end, you can provide them with a simple card with encouraging words or Bible verses in it. You can be traditional and call them You could go big and treat your Pastor and their family to a collaborative gift that multiple people volunteer to pitch in to buy or get for them. Put some thought into something that they will genuinely enjoy and find encouraging.
Pastor Appreciation Gift Ideas
Relaxing Vacation
Get the church together and brainstorm a relaxing vacation getaway for your Pastor and family. Rest and recuperation are always good to have. They can even take this opportunity to renew their relationship with God. And spend some good quality time together as a family. Perhaps consider sending your pastor and their spouse to one of the top Christian conferences in which the can get filled up and re-charged.
Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance, not every church can afford to pay for their Pastor’s medical insurance. This could be a long-term goal that you could rally behind with the congregation and gather enough funds to get a medical insurance plan for them that is paid for by the church or at least partially paid for by the church.
Bring Your Pastor Food
Some of the smaller, more personal gifts that you could give to your Pastor are things like bringing them a meal. Especially if they have a family, meals are one of those things that can be easily overlooked when schedules are busy. One meal can bring hours of closeness and rest to your Pastor and family.
Babysitting
You can babysit their child(ren) for an evening so your Pastor can do whatever it is they want to do without having to bring the kids along. If they are married then they could go on a date, go out to dinner, etc. If you like this idea but don’t consider yourself “good with kids” then you can arrange to babysit for them or have someone come along with you so you can learn to be comfortable with children. Check with your Pastor before going forward with all the planning for something like this.
Gift Cards
In conjunction with the date night idea, you can pay for all or part of the date night package with a gift card to a place that they love or have never been to. You could even go as far as planning a whole night and expose them to something that you think is really special and would be truly encouraging for them. Again, the only caveat is that you put some real thought into this and focus on something that would encourage them and not necessarily something that you would personally enjoy but they would not find as encouraging or fun.
Celebrate Big
Throw them a party! Gather the church and play some music and games. You can provide food or snacks and make a night out of fellowship with the church family. Let your Pastor know how much you appreciate them for all the hard work they put in throughout the year.
Meaningful Conversation
Don’t misunderstand this point. Yes, your Pastor cares about you, but they are human as well and would like to have typical conversations and take a break from hearing about all the problems and the negative things that are going on in other peoples lives. Having a meaningful conversation can go a long way. Asking them about their problems and if there is a way you could pray specifically for them will bring a different vibe to the conversation.
Volunteer To Help A Different Ministry In Your Church
There are many ways to serve in the church and all you need to do is raise your hand. This is more noticeable in smaller congregations, but volunteering your time to help another ministry will relieve some stress for that ministry and ultimately help your Pastor to know that they are not alone in the fight.
Housework And Yard Work
These are two things that never go away. A nice gesture is to offer to do some housework or yard work at their house so they can enjoy their weekend or the day off. We are called to serve each other and what better way to do that than to clean someone else’s home or mow someone else’s lawn.
Show Up
This may sound simple but show up to events, classes, service, etc. It is encouraging when you plan an event or a get-together and people show up. It takes time, effort, and resources for an event to happen and you have the ability to make it successful. Show up to things and focus on encouraging others and not dwell on the other things that you would rather be doing.
Pastors Appreciation Scriptures
This is a hand-curated and ranked list of the most relevant Bible verses about Pastor Appreciation (KJV). Verses are ranked by number of votes.
Other Translations
English Standard Version (ESV)
New International Version (NIV)
King James Version (KJV)
Bible Verses About Pastor Appreciation
566
Jeremiah 3:15
15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Bible Gateway
543
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Bible Gateway
435
1 Timothy 5:17
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Bible Gateway
400
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Bible Gateway
242
2 Timothy 4:2
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Bible Gateway
208
Hebrews 13:7
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Bible Gateway
164
1 Thessalonians 1:3
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Bible Gateway
161
1 Corinthians 9:14
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Bible Gateway
142
Romans 10:14
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Bible Gateway
131
Ephesians 4:11
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
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126
Psalm 37:23
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Bible Gateway
126
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Bible Gateway
106
Isaiah 52:7
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Bible Gateway
99
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Bible Gateway
93
Isaiah 55:4
4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
Bible Gateway
92
Numbers 6:24-26
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Bible Gateway
72
2 Samuel 2:6
6 And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.
Bible Gateway
65
Psalm 23:1-6
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Bible Gateway
62
Colossians 3:16
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
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60
2 Timothy 1:11
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
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60
1 Thessalonians 1:2
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
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59
John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Bible Gateway
53
Hebrews 6:10
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
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49
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Bible Gateway
33
1 Corinthians 1:4
4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
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