Here are three keys to doing that:

Keep it personal. This is no one-size-fits-all event. It’s not even a one-size-fits-most event! Begin by thinking long and hard about the individual servants you want to honor. What motivates them? What do they enjoy? Center recognition events and thank-you gifts around that.

Make it inclusive. If yours is a church with only one paid staff, the pastor, it’s okay to single that one person out. If, though, your church staff includes one or more additional servants, consider ways to express your appreciation to them, too. Not only will this help prevent inter-staff resentments and conflicts, it will keep your pastor from the embarrassment of being honored while other equally hard-working staff members are ignored.

Think spiritually—but be authentic. All of us want to believe our work, our lives, make a difference. Your pastor wants to draw you closer to your Savior. Offer evidence that’s happening! When I asked one pastor what he would consider an encouraging gift, he suggested that members really listen to sermons—maybe even take notes and ask an occasional question during the week.

CTA offers a number of spiritually meaningful gifts for pastors and several appropriate for Pastor/Staff Appreciation. Whatever you say or give, though, be sure it comes from your heart!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Article used with permission grant #082510 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

We’ve received over 1000 nominations already, and more nominations keep pouring in every day.

First prize?  An all-expense-paid retreat for two at the 3-day seminar of the pastor’s choice at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove near Asheville, North Carolina. The trip is valued at up to $1,500.

We’re accepting E-mail nominations for a few more days, so don’t delay! Check out the Servant Heart Award website, put a team of leaders together, and nominate your pastor today!

(Wish you could get in on the fun–and the helpful newsletter resources CTA publishes twice each month? Go to CTA’s website, scroll down to find the E-mail subscription link in the left-hand column, and sign up. It’s free! )

Good News:    The women’s guild voted to send you a get-well card.

Bad News:       The resolution passed by a vote of 31-30.

Good News:    The elder board accepted your job description the way you wrote it.

Bad News:       They were so inspired by it, they also formed a search committee to find somebody capable of filling the position.

 Good News:    Your women’s softball team finally won a game.

Bad News:       They beat your men’s softball team.

Good News:    After months of wrangling, he trustees finally voted to add more church parking.

Bad News:       They are going to blacktop the lawn in front of your parsonage.

Good News:    The youth in your church have decided to come to your house for a visit.

Bad News:       They’re coming in the middle of the night, armed with toilet paper and shaving cream to decorate.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #070710 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

As you walk or run today, think about the Scripture below. Ask yourself the questions. Talk with Jesus about your answers. Enjoy your time with your Savior! 

[Jesus] went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. (Matthew 14:23 NIV)

Runners (and often walkers, too) pay particular attention to their knees. Knee injuries can ruin an athletic career or an exercise program. 

† As I serve today in Jesus’ steps, how diligent am I in my “knee work”? 

† When have I seen my Savior respond to my prayers? What do I want to say to him about that today?

 Lord Jesus, you graciously choose to hear my prayers. You promise that my prayers touch your heart. Lord, teach me to pray, just as you taught your first disciples to pray. Amen.

2009 Servant Heart Pastor of the Year winner Rev. Donald Ruth

“Our pastor is a humble-spirited kingdom builder,” reads the nomination from his congregation. He “reaches out to all races, ages, and socio-economic groups. He is about meeting needs, regardless of the cost. This awesome man of God is the very essence of love and untiringly gives so much to so many.”

In addition to serving at St. John’s, Pastor Ruth founded St. John Bible Institute in 2002. He also recently began an educational summer camp for young children aimed at reaching out and enhancing the lives of local youth. Pastor Ruth’s ministry spans racial, social, and international boundaries. 

As the grand prize winner for this award, Rev. Ruth receives an all-expense-paid trip to a seminar of his choice at the Billy Graham Training Center—The Cove—in Ashville, N.C. In partnership with The Cove, CTA sponsors the annual Servant Heart Pastor of the Year award in recognition of October as Pastor Appreciation Month.

Recently I cruised the CTA website and decided to check out some pages I hadn’t looked at in some time. Remembering that during October many churches set aside special time to honor their pastors in special ways, I headed to the CTA Pastor Appreciation link. As I pulled up the pages I discovered something I had no idea was on the site – a free, downloadable PDF file titled, CTA’s Favorite Ways to Show Pastor and Staff Appreciation. I love stumbling across new and creative ideas, especially if they’ve been used successfully in other churches. This list of twenty ideas came from the CTA staff, who likely have observed them used in their congregations. What a great resource. And it’s free!

I then found four other free downloads to help churches recognize and honor pastors … customizable postcard templates, name badges, a power point presentation, and a brochure by Sonscape Retreats titled, 50 Ways to Love Your Pastor. What great discoveries – even better than three dollars in a coat pocket!