We have only one week or so left in Pastor Appreciation Month. As I think about this month, I’m reminded of some of the unique gifts church members have given me over the years. Perhaps one of these ideas will encourage you to honor your pastor this year.
- Painting the cabinets in our home. A brother learned that we were remodeling our kitchen, and he graciously took on this painting task—and did a much better job than I would have ever done.
- Detailing my wife’s car. My wife was out of town, and I wanted to clean her car well before she came home. One of our small group members learned of this need and took care of it for me.
- Giving me a handmade quilt with the names of church members on it. I received this gift a long time ago, but I still remember those loving, supportive church members every time I see it.
- Updating and decorating my church office. I didn’t ask for it, but I was deeply grateful when church members surprised me with this gift.
- Helping to pay for a trip to Israel. These church members didn’t cover the entire cost, but they gave what they could sacrificially give. My trip was even more special because of their gift.
- Giving me a signed picture of the church. If you come to our home today, you’ll see a professional photograph of this church, including signatures of many of the members. Pam and I love those folks.
- Cutting my grass during a busy season of life. A faithful church member knew I was especially busy at the time (and perhaps he saw my grass growing high as he drove by our home), and he took care of our yard for a month.
- Creating a welding of a preacher behind a pulpit. A machinist who was a church member made it out of bolts and washers, and he did a masterful job in creating it. I still have it in my office today.
- Giving us a monthly support check in a time of transition. I was officially no longer their pastor, but this loving couple helped us financially until we could get settled.
- Sending reminders of prayers for my parents.Everywhere I’ve served, I’ve asked believers to pray for my parents. I’m convinced that my dad became a believer in response to these prayers not long before he died. To this day, I still get unexpected reminders from folks who are praying for my mom.
- Putting together a video of church memories and thanksgivings from church members. This church member was a techie long before it was cool, and he worked hard to create this gift. I still remember his joy when he gave it to me.
- Taking me on vacation with their family. I was a single pastor at the time, and I seldom took time off. This family corrected that problem by inviting me to spend some time with them in Tennessee.
Pastors, what other unique gifts have you received?
Dr. Lawless you don’t know me, you’ve been a guest speaker at my local church. I just wanted to comment and say that this post reminded me to pray for your mom.
Thanks, Tim. That means a lot to me.
A football team showed up at the seminary with a cattle trailer to help us move from seminary housing to our first parsonage. My junior-high aged daughter was mortified because one of the biggest players carried a drawer from her dresser–her underwear drawer.
My first church was way out in the country. I was invited to pick some vegetables in a members garden. when I stopped at a “mess” of beans the farmer asked why didn’t I take more. I told him we would have to eat them right away; we had no room to put any up. That afternoon the Sears department store called and asked when would be a good time to deliver a chest freezer. The members made sure that freezer was stocked up.
The chairman of deacons started asking me about turkey hunting. I had never been. The next week (the week before the first day of turkey season) he showed up at the house with a brand new rifle (set up for a left-hander.) It was mine to keep. It was the first and only time we both shot a double in the same day.
An artist painted a scene of my first church. When it was damaged, a painter in my third church repaired it for me (and corrected an odd inclusion the first artist put in.)
A member wrote a poem for my family after the trial sermon and before our first day there. It was a part of the first Sunday celebration.
Two brothers, one a early teen, the other pre-teen came to me and said they wanted to do something for the church and me. They didn’t want to bother me, but if I would write down what I wanted on the church sign, they would change it as often as I wanted. The best part was that they didn’t want any recognition or to take away from my time.
Our daughters are grown, I have three grand-children who live far away. The youth minister’s 3 year old wanted me to be her “extra Grandpa” because I might miss my own grandchildren.
For My 50th birthday My ministry created a series of pictures in a frame. a book of nice comments, and 2 pairs of men underwear, One was satin with hearts and the other green underwear had bears. I donated the Red Satin underwear with hearts to a mission yard sale ( Self Sacrifice). I still have the green underwear with bears.