It's time to say "thanks".

The month of October is widely known to be a month where the body of Christ honors and shows their appreciation for those who serve them in ministry. While these precious servants and leaders are worthy of appreciation and acknowledgment throughout the year, it is important to take this time to show honor in a grander way.

This can prove to be perplexing to many as not everyone can fully grasp what it requires to function in a ministry family, much less how to fully show your gratitude for the ministry wife. And often times the man behind the pulpit draws the greatest attention while his fearless wife is scrambling behind to hold it all together! But at Sanctuary, our heart is to minister to the ministry wife. So let us help you help her!

We polled our ministry wives to find out what would be a blessing to each of them. And here are the results...the TOP FIVE most preferred ways that communicate "we appreciate you" to today's ministry wife.

1. Cash offering just for HER. Ironically this was far and above selected to be the number one most prized possession when we polled our ministry wife community. Why? You'll find that most ministry wives will struggle spending money given to their families on themselves. But if an offering or cash gift is given specifically for her, she'll find pleasure in a special treat for herself.

2. A shopping spree or gift card to her favorite retail store. Gift cards assist in making sure that the favorite ministry wife of yours actually spoils herself! If you don't trust that you know exactly what she prefers, a gift card is the way to go. Be generous! She'll love sporting that new outfit from the people she serves.

3. A weekend's getaway with her husband. Time to spend alone with your spouse is a treat but for the ministry couple, it's a rare, rare opportunity. Inevitably, a funeral or two will pop up just at the time they were able to slate for a family vacation. To leave the children behind would feel downright selfish...unless a trip was given with 'for the couple's getaway' gift tag attached. Is there a favorite vacation spot she prefers? Or even a local bed-n-breakfast that won't require a lot of travel time?

4. A spa treatment. The ultimate of pampering, spa treatments qualify as a love language all their own. The choice of a massage, facial, or mani/pedi will let her know you appreciate all that she invests behind the scenes to minister to you and your church family. Want to take it one step further? Consider a monthly massage membership! This will take care of her throughout the year, tending to her stress and exhaustion on a consistent basis.

5. A piece of fine jewelry. This can be tricky as every girl has her own style. But if you have an insider's view on her favorites, bling can bring a twinkle to her eye. You might wish to incite her best friend's input or a hint from her husband in order to pick just the right pieces.

Ministry wife. There are so many different roles they can fill: the pastor's wife, the youth pastor's wife, bride to the children's or associate pastor, the co-missionary or co-evangelist. Find some way to reach out and simply say "thanks" for all she does. But most importantly, show some love for who she is. If she only ministers to her husband, she has done you and your church family or ministry organization a tremendous service.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."

Proverbs 31:30-31

Looking for other ideas on how to show your pastor and his family your appreciation this month? Read more >>here<<.