October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Pastors Retreat Network shares the following 11 ideas for saying thanks: 1. Write a note of appreciation 2. Pray for your pastor regularly 3. Stop the rumor mill 4. Invite him or her out to lunch, golfing, or some other shared interest, without an agenda 5. Offer to babysit the kids so the pastor and spouse can have an evening together, even better, offer them a gift certificate to a restaurant they enjoy 6. Honor his or her day off - allow time for rest, personal renewal and family time 7. In times of loss, offer sympathy, care, practical help 8. Consider holidays and other family days - if the pastor is far from their family of origin, invite them to your celebration - no strings attached 9. Ask him or her how you can help and then follow through 10. Tell him or her what you've learned from their sermon 11. Consider a sabbatical time for your pastor and find a way to provide one as needed.

Clergy are real people. They have families, hopes and dreams, gifts, and needs. And like all of us, they shine best in situations where they are appreciated and supported.