Everyone loves to be appreciated. According to William James, psychologist and philosopher, “the deepest principle of human nature is a craving to be appreciated.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr. calls it “a person’s greatest emotional need.” I believe when this need is being met, it makes a huge difference in how a person feels about themself and those whom they serve.
For example, consider the pastor of a local church. When someone comes up to them after church and says, “I appreciated your sermon today”, it makes them feel valued and encouraged. It is an acknowledgement that God used them to make a difference, which every pastor loves to hear.
Just curious, when is the last time you expressed appreciation to your pastor? When is the last time you recognized something that they did and then told them how much your appreciated it?
This month, in celebration of Pastor’s Appreciation Month, find a way to recognize the contributions of your pastor? Below are a few ideas to consider:
1. Send a thank-you card and let them know specific things that you appreciate about them and then mail it to them, that’s on a personal level.
2. On behalf of a congregation, a thank-you card, signed by all church members could be prepared, and the pastor with his/her family (if applicable) be invited to come up front during the announcements time. Have someone in the church express appreciation publicly for them while they hand them the card.
3. Have a special fellowship meal and give time for members to express their appreciation publicly for the pastor and his/her family.
Just think – when you show appreciation to your pastor, you are following the counsel of the Apostle Paul – And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thess. 5:12-13).
—Mickey Mallory; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski
