Write a Thank You Card to a Minister
Tips for Writing a Letter of Thanks to a Priest, Pastor or Other Clergy
Apr 16, 2009
A sincere thank you letter will be treasured by most recipients. But how exactly do you write a note to a pastor that expresses your feelings of appreciation?
Think About the Minister You Wish to Thank
Before starting the thank you note, it's important to think of precisely how the minister or priest has been of assistance.
What have you appreciated most about him or her? Perhaps it is the inspired preaching? Perhaps he or she has gone the extra mile in caring for you pastorally. It may be that your minister is an inspired teacher, or conducts beautiful, uplifting services.
What Have You Received From This Minister?
Think of the ways this minister has helped, guided, inspired you in the past. How did he or she support you through the event you wish to thank him or her for?
These are also important factors to ponder before beginning a thank you note.
How to Structure the Thank You Note
A good thank you letter is specific in its thanks. It is personal and dignified without being sappy or over the top. The structure can be very simple. In the example below:
- The first paragraph says a general thank you;
- The second paragraph mentions specific things the writer is grateful for, and;
- The third paragraph concludes the letter, giving good wishes for the future.
This simple structure can be adapted for different circumstances and events, and makes thank you letter writing easy.
A Sample Thank You Letter
Dear Reverend Adams,
Thank you so much for the love and care you showed my family with the passing of my mother. It made a difficult time so much easier to know that you were just a phone call away.
My sisters and I were very grateful for the way you conducted the funeral service. Even though Mom had only recently moved here to live with me, you took the trouble to get to know her, and to care for her spiritually in her last illness. So many of my friends commented on the warm way you spoke at the funeral, and the kind words you said about Mom and the family in your oration.
I know that being a minister can be hard work, and I thank God for your love and care. I pray he spares you for many years so you can continue the wonderful work you are doing.
With warm wishes,
Beth Smith.
Choose an Attractive Greeting Card or Writing Paper
Unlike emails and text messages, a thank you note or letter may be kept for years by the minister. He or she may read through it again and again, particularly when feeling low. Make sure that the note is written on good quality writing paper, or choose an attractive greeting card.
Following these simple steps it is easy to write a thank you note that is truly appreciative of a pastor’s ministry.
If you’d like to know about a suitable gift to accompany your note, read How to Find the Perfect Gift for Ministers.
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