What to Write in a Pastor Appreciation Card
October is considered “Pastor Appreciation Month,” and if you haven’t already, now is a perfect time to pause and find a way to express your appreciation to your pastor who faithfully shepherds your congregation!
I’m no pastor’s wife or ministry family, but I can assume that more often than not, peoples’ criticism feels louder than their gratitude towards pastors, and have heard of recent studies showing that “pastor burnout” is at an all time high. What an immense blessing your words can be to encourage them and “build each other up,” or refresh their soul with “kind words that are like honey!”
I recently asked a friend of mine, and Pastor’s wife, if there was anything that has stuck out to her husband as being particularly encouraging or nice to hear in a pastor appreciation card, and her main advice was that any personal message to him or their family, rather than just signing your name on a pre-written message, always felt more special to receive. The same goes for cards on all occasions, don’t you think?
So if your go-to method is to find a card with the “perfectly” worded inside message and sign your name to it, and the thought of coming up with your own message feels overwhelming, this post is here to help!
What to Write in a Pastor Appreciation Card
Including Scripture
You do not need to include Scripture, but especially if you’re feeling stuck on what to say, you can never go wrong with letting Scripture do the talking and be the starting or ending point of your letter. If this feels intimidating, below are a handful of verses to consider including as an opening or closing to your letter, or as an inspiration to your handwritten message.
Bible Verses to include in a Pastor Appreciation Card
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
2 Chronicles 15:7
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
Acts 28:31
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:2-3
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7
Specific Things to include in a Pastor Appreciation Card
As you’ll hear me say often in these blog posts, the more specific you can be in your letter writing, the more personal it becomes and the greater joy it is to receive! Below are a few ideas to get you thinking of what specifics to include. You do not need to include all of these, perhaps choose 1-3 as space allows in your letter.
Is there a certain characteristic of theirs that you especially appreciate? Their welcoming heart, kindness, humor, etc.
Is there a certain aspect of their preaching that you especially admire? Is there a certain point from a sermon that has really stuck with you and you think of often?
Was there a certain hardship or situation that your Pastor supported you through this year?
In what specific ways are you praying for them? They spend so much time being the go-to person for prayer for others, I’m sure it is a blessing to hear in what ways others are praying for them!
While Sunday morning is the most “seen” work of a Pastor, there is so much unseen work that goes into pastoring a congregation. Take time to thank them for the unseen work as well.
Templates & Prompts for Writing in a Pastor Appreciation Card
With these Bible verses and specific things to consider including, here are a few examples of templates and prompts you can use to help further get you started!
“Pastor ______,
Thank you for all the ways, seen & unseen, that you faithfully pastor our congregation! Our family is always blessed by your preaching of God’s Word, and I’m so thankful for your time in counseling me through [specific thing]. It’s a comfort to know we can always call on you.
In Christ,
[your name/family]”
“Pastor_______,
Thank you for all the ways, seen & unseen that you faithfully pastor our congregation! Our family will always be grateful for your care for us through our grief. It’s a comfort to know we can always call on you—and laugh with you.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13
Blessings,
[your name/family]”
(Inspired by Acts 28:31)
”Thank you for your faithful work in proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching God’s Word with all boldness with Christ at the center. I am praying that you will continue to confidently do so without hinderance…”
(Inspired by 1 Peter 5:2-3 and/or Hebrews 13:7)
”Thank you for shepherding this flock God has given you as a willing servant of Christ, and being an example to us all in word & deed as you [specific example] and [specific example]….”
(Inspired by 2 Chronicles 15:7)
“Praying that you would continue to be strong & not give up in the important Kingdom Work you are doing for our congregation, confident that your reward in Christ will far outweigh any doubt or discouragement that may come…”
What Card to send for Pastor Appreciation
Below are a number of cards available now in our shop that could be a great fit to write your handwritten message! Also, if you’re looking for a practical gift to give alongside your card, the two gift sets below are each affordable small collections of coordinating, Biblically based gifts.
A couple more People to consider writing a card to
Pastor’s Wives
My friend also mentioned how special it is to receive a card specifically written to her, by name, every now and then. To have the silent, unseen work she does to support her husband or congregation recognized, and to be seen as her own person and not just “the Pastor’s wife” is such a gift.
Other staff or dedicated volunteers
While you’re already on the task of thanking your Pastor, it could be a convenient time to also consider writing a card to other staff or volunteers whose work may often go unnoticed. There is no better feeling than to simply feel seen in your work for the Lord, and a short & sweet card is such an easy and meaningful way to do so!
Let me know in the comments which tips have been most helpful to you, and if you have any other insight or advice on writing in Pastor Appreciation cards!