Pastor appreciation month is here and if you’re stumped for ideas, here are six I’d like to share.

Pray for your pastor.

This is such an important part of church membership that Tom Rainer, in his book “I Am A Church Member,” makes it the fourth trait of church membership. Praying for your leaders empowers them in a way that far surpasses our ability to help and imagination. If there is one habit to develop during Pastor Appreciation Month, make it daily prayer for your Pastor.

Make them take time off.

I hope we remember the commandment, “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” For pastors, the timing of funerals, hospital visits, and being at the church every time the doors are open will erode any chance of rest he may try to take. Especially if you are in leadership at your church, pay attention to the pastor’s report. Not getting rest and recovery time is debilitating physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Pray for their families.

The call to ministry is often heeded at the expense of family time. The strength of the pastor’s family is a key to their ministry. Remember, “If a person can’t manage their household, how will they care for God’s church?”

Be dependable.

The pastor, especially in small and medium sized churches, is the only fallback plan. When volunteers don’t show up the pastor is the one who cuts the grass, cleans the bathrooms, etc. Being a person who can be counted on is invaluable. Find your own backups, take your role of leadership as an opportunity to grow others in service.

Encourage your pastor.

Honest feedback is greatly appreciated. We hear, “Good Sermon,” a lot on the way out the door. But, taking the time to mention something that really made a difference to you or helped you understand – those things provide great validation of the work your pastor has put in to the week.

Honor your pastor’s marriage.

One of the kindest things ever done for my wife and I was giving us a weekend retreat to a conference that was for pastors and their spouse. All we had to do was drive there, everything else was paid for. It changed our lives, our marriage, and we formed friendships that have continued for years.

There are many more things a person can do, from buying a gift to offering to watch the Pastor’s kids for a date night. Letting your Pastor know they matter to you, should matter to you. Because, it means the world to them.