1. Ministers don't need or want "knick knacks"
I know that they are cute and OH so hard to resist...but the truth is...we frequent the bible book stores too and if we actually wanted any of that stuff...we probably would have bought it for ourselves (at least we would have gotten the one we wanted that way!).
2. Minister don't want a passive aggressive pokes at self improvement
We ALREADY know we need improvement---another sermon book from Andy Stanley will not boost our self esteem. One more volume of John Maxwell telling us how we SHOULD lead is probably not going to establish you as #1 on the Christmas card list either. I LOVE books!! That being said...I am also VERY selective of the books I choose to read (SO MANY BOOKS SO LITTLE TIME)...if you think a book is the way to go I suggest a gift card to Amazon of CBD so that they can choose for themselves.
3. I HATE ties
There was a time when I felt compelled to wear them and when someone bought me another one...especially a "novelty" type tie...I loved it and wore it. Now...I only wear ties to weddings and funerals that I am officiating...I have 2,487 ties in a box in my closet...PLEASE don't add any more to the mess.
4. Rick Warren is NOT your minister
The "ministers" who are fortunate enough to author books and speak at seminars based on their experience and what they did to grow their congregations have ALMOST NOTHING in common with those of us who are "gutting it out" in the trenches trying desperately to survive week to week. Therefore, we really have NO interest in their DVD's, books, magazines, or for that matter...their help. Accept us for who and what we are...(whether you like us or not) just as we try desperately to accept you for who and what you are instead of our "ideal" congregants.
5. I LOVE to eat...but I am tired of the jokes.
Just what I need...another gift card to a "food establishment" that I don't even like. I know it LOOKS like I will eat anything, anytime, in any place (sort of like the guy in Green Eggs and Ham AFTER he tries them!) but the reality is..we would treasure your company more than your contribution to our waistlines. As much as we love to receive our favorite foods...they ALWAYS taste better when we are allowed to share them with you!
ALL TONGUE-IN-CHEEK ASIDE...
Here is a quick list of things that might shock, surprise, or make your minister's day!:
- No negativity Sunday (a day with a moratorium on complaining and griping about anyone or anything)
- Extra vacation (most people cannot arrange this for their minister...but they could offer to keep the kids for a date night or even a weekend away).
- Genuine concern about the spiritual and emotional well being of your minister.
- Time..share it with your minister at THEIR convenience.
- Bless them with encouragement about who and what they are (JUST AS THEY ARE)
- Money...I know it sounds cliche but these days...every little bit helps (genuine generosity is the key--God loves CHEERFUL givers).
- Do something for the people they love--most ministers sacrifice too readily for their families--so help them make it up to their families by encouraging and sharing with their families (ministry really is a family issue--both the good times and the bad times have an affect).
- Cards--some ministers keep files of encouraging cards and notes so that they can look at them when it gets harder and be reminded of why they got into this thing to start with...its not much but it is better than nothing.
- Gifts Cards---seem to be all the rage these days...I am not at all against them---they are just too easy for the buyer--no one really has to put thought or planning into it.
I encourage giving gifts that will mean something to them, and to you--think in terms of "making a memory" instead of, "oh crap...it's the last Sunday in October and we haven't done anything for Pastor Appreciation month yet!"
I believe, help me in my unbelief.