{"id":31812,"date":"2022-09-10T15:45:02","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/6-gifts-not-to-give-your-pastor-for-pastor-appreciation-month\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:45:02","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:45:02","slug":"6-gifts-not-to-give-your-pastor-for-pastor-appreciation-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/6-gifts-not-to-give-your-pastor-for-pastor-appreciation-month\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Gifts Not to Give Your Pastor for Pastor Appreciation Month"},"content":{"rendered":"
Edgar Soto – Unsplash <\/p>\n

By Eric Geiger<\/em><\/p>\n

October is here, which means so is Pastor Appreciation Month. Very few folks celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, and I am not pushing for it to become a more prominent holiday on our calendars.<\/p>\n

Also, pastors should be appreciated all the time, and not just one month a year. Pray for your pastors, pay them well, and give them time and space to love and lead their families.<\/p>\n

At the same time, I am grateful for the few folks in every church who remember Pastor Appreciation Month, likely because the Christian radio station they listen to reminds them.<\/p>\n

If you have given your pastor some of these gifts before, don\u2019t feel bad. There is no condemnation here. Only grace.<\/p>\n

And your pastor really did know you cared, was honored you remembered him, and likely thought, \u201cIt is the thought that counts.\u201d<\/p>\n

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But I want to be helpful and encourage you not<\/em> to get your pastor one of the following this year:<\/p>\n

1. \u201cPraying hands\u201d pin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hopefully he seeks the Lord for the joy of knowing God, for himself and his family, and for the church. But he doesn\u2019t need another set of \u201cpraying hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. A leadership\/church book you want him to read<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you hand your pastor a book with these instructions, \u201cI really think you<\/em> need to read this book. Please let me know your thoughts,\u201d your pastor will likely not enjoy the book.<\/p>\n

Your pastor will likely wonder the entire time what deficiency you think he has in his leadership\/ministry that he must read about in the book. While he may benefit from the book, it surely won\u2019t be a relaxing read that feels like \u201cappreciation.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. A tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I know this sounds cruel, but when he opens the box, he will be thinking, \u201cHow many times do I need to wear this tie so it looks like I am grateful?\u201d This is especially true if the tie has Christian fish on it. Or a decorated Christmas tree.<\/p>\n

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See also  3 Practical Steps for Reaching the Mission Field in Your Neighborhood<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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4. A Bible<\/strong><\/h3>\n

He already has one. If not, you need another church.<\/p>\n

5. Tickets to a bad game<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many pastors like sports and going to games, but if you are just looking for a charitable way to offload the tickets you don\u2019t want to the worst game on the schedule, please don\u2019t think of your pastor first.<\/p>\n

6. A card with nothing in it<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The workman is worthy of at least a Starbucks gift card.<\/p>\n

If your shopping list has been destroyed and you are asking yourself, \u201cWhat should I get my pastor?\u201d First, begin with this list: pray for them, imitate their faith, follow their lead, pay them well, and help them love their families well.<\/p>\n

If you still feel compelled to get a gift, I suggest a gift certificate or a gift card. It may be to a great restaurant, for some books, or a sporting event or play (depending on the taste of your pastor).<\/p>\n

A gift card allows your pastor to choose the books or choose the night to spend time with his wife. Include an encouraging note and you are golden. Save the \u201cpraying hands\u201d for your uncle and the throwaway game tickets for StubHub.<\/p>\n

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ERIC GEIGER<\/strong><\/h2>\n

@EricGeiger<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Eric is the senior pastor at Mariners Church. You can find more of his writings at EricGeiger.com.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n