Practical Ways to Bless your Pastor

As a pastor, I’ve been blessed to lead congregations of believers who love, encourage, and support me. Over the years, I’ve experienced many thoughtful expressions of care, and I wanted to share some practical ways you can similarly bless your pastor.

1. Show up faithfully

Simply coming to church faithfully, consistently, and joyfully is perhaps the most encouraging thing you can do for your pastor. He spends hours studying the Word and preparing messages to feed the flock. Knowing that the church family will gather week after week to hear the Word is deeply encouraging.

If you’re going to be out of town, let him know—so he’s not left wondering if you’re sick or if he somehow offended you.

2. Pray for him—and let him know how

Ministry can be tough. Satan targets spiritual leaders. Pastors often face criticism and carry the weight of counseling, leading, teaching, preaching, and organizing. It can be crushing at times.

Pray for your pastor’s family, his soul, his personal integrity and purity, his walk with Jesus, his ministry, and his fruitfulness. Then tell him you’re praying for him—not in a passive-aggressive “I’m praying that you’ll start preaching sermons that make sense” kind of way, but in an encouraging, “I’m praying for the things Scripture says matter most” kind of way.

3. Serve

Step up and serve where you see needs. Take initiative and ownership in areas of ministry that need attention. It’s incredibly encouraging when someone says, “Pastor, I’d like to oversee our greeting ministry,” and then takes it and runs with it.

Pastors long to see saints take ownership of the ministry. They don’t want to micromanage; they want to equip.

4. Give specific feedback from sermons

After church, pastors often hear general encouragements like, “Good message today, Pastor!”—which is certainly appreciated! But if you really want to bless your pastor, share how God specifically used His Word in your life:

“I was challenged today to start mentoring a new believer. I’m reaching out to someone this week.”

That kind of fruit brings your pastor incredible joy.

5. Buy books from his wish list

Pastors love books—but many already have a tall stack they’re working through. If you’d like to bless your pastor with a book, ask for his Amazon wish list first. That way, you’ll get him something he’s actually eager to read and use.

6. Remind him of people’s names

Some pastors are great with names; others need a little help. It’s hard to remember the names of all your kids, grandkids, and their spouses—especially if we haven’t met them yet!

So don’t assume we remember after one conversation. When you bring a guest or reconnect your pastor with someone he hasn’t seen in a while, gently remind him:

“Pastor, you remember my son-in-law Fred—he’s visiting today!”

That simple gesture is so helpful.

7. Invite him into your life

Ministry is all about relationships—and it’s hard to build meaningful ones if interactions are limited to a quick handshake on Sunday. Invite your pastor and his family over for a meal. Share your story. Ask about his. Tell him how you came to Christ. Those moments create genuine connection and mutual encouragement.

8. Let him pastor you

I save this for last because it’s the most important. God has called pastors to shepherd His people—to guide, counsel, and walk with you through life.

Let your pastor know how he can pray for you. Ask to meet for coffee to talk through your doubts, questions, or struggles. Let him know when you’re in the hospital or facing a major life moment.

Yes, pastors are busy—but they would always rather be there with you than find out afterward.

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In the end, your pastor doesn’t need perfection from you—he just needs partnership.
Faithful presence, prayer, encouragement, and openness go a long way in strengthening your pastor’s heart for the long haul.