Showing appreciation is not just a good gesture, it’s a Biblical principle.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (MSG) states,
“And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!”
As God instructs us to show appreciation to those that serve in the church, a thank-you letter is an excellent and simple way to show appreciation.
Here are 5 tips to get you started:
1. Express an authentic sense of sincerity.
2. Pray for your pastor in your thank-you letter.
3. Use your own handwriting. Your handwritten letter always beats out any font, even though you might not think it looks as nice as a type-written note.
4. Don’t forget to show your appreciation for your pastor’s spouse and family.
5. As able, conclude your letter by offering assistance and support.
Still stuck? Try starting your letter with one of these examples:
• Pastor, we forget that there are times when you may have been tired, yet, you never failed to show up when we would call. You never missed a meeting with us. You were there when others were not. Thank you.
• You never failed to show up to counsel or console us when we suffered the loss of a loved one, or when we had trouble in our homes, jobs, or relationships. You never ceased to speak courage and strength to our souls, in the midst of our situations, because you trusted God, and taught us to do likewise. You never told us to call you back when you were busy, but you made time, or took the time out of your agenda to give us what we needed from you. Thank you.
• Pastor, we love you, and recognize the gift from God that we have in you. We are thankful that you were obedient when He called you to serve this church. God gave you the wisdom to help us combat anything that may hinder our walk with Him, asking for nothing in return. With grateful hearts, thank you.
