30 Pastor Appreciation Songs for a Service, Choir or Celebration

What are the best pastor appreciation songs?

"Thank You" by Ray Boltz is the classic pastor appreciation song: it thanks someone whose faithful service brought others to faith. "Find Us Faithful" by Steve Green and "The Blessing" by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes are also favorites, and for a gospel choir, "Total Praise" by Richard Smallwood.

Songs to thank your pastor

1. "Thank You", Ray Boltz: the best-known song of thanks for a pastor or teacher.
2. "Find Us Faithful", Steve Green: about passing faith to the next generation.
3. "You Raise Me Up", Josh Groban: for someone who carried you through.
4. "Wind Beneath My Wings", Bette Midler: a heartfelt tribute to a quiet hero.
5. "Make Me a Servant", Kelly Willard: about a servant's heart.
6. "The Servant Song", Richard Gillard: a gentle song about serving one another.
7. "Here I Am, Lord", Dan Schutte: a song about answering the call.

Blessing songs to sing over your pastor

8. "The Blessing", Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes: a modern benediction.
9. "The Lord Bless You and Keep You", John Rutter: a choral blessing.
10. "The Prayer", Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli: a prayer for someone you love.
11. "Goodness of God", Bethel Music: gratitude for faithfulness through every season.
12. "Firm Foundation (He Won't)", Cody Carnes: for a pastor who has weathered storms.
13. "Build My Life", Housefires: a worship favorite about a life built on faith.

Gospel songs for pastor appreciation

14. "Total Praise", Richard Smallwood: a choir favorite.
15. "I Need You to Survive", Hezekiah Walker: about the church family needing each other.
16. "Order My Steps", GMWA Women of Worship: a prayer for guidance.
17. "I Smile", Kirk Franklin: joyful and upbeat.
18. "Way Maker", Sinach: a modern gospel anthem.

Hymns for a pastor appreciation service

19. "Blest Be the Tie That Binds", John Fawcett: written by a pastor who chose to stay with his congregation.
20. "The Church's One Foundation", Samuel J. Stone: a hymn about the church itself.
21. "Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak", Frances Ridley Havergal: a prayer for those who preach and teach.
22. "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", Thomas Chisholm: a hymn of thanks for God's faithfulness.
23. "Be Thou My Vision", traditional Irish hymn: a prayer for guidance.
24. "Because He Lives", Bill and Gloria Gaither: a hymn of hope.
25. "Blessed Assurance", Fanny Crosby: a joyful classic.

Songs about the Word for a preaching pastor

26. "Thy Word", Amy Grant: a song about scripture as a guide.
27. "Speak, O Lord", Keith and Kristyn Getty: a prayer before the sermon.
28. "In Christ Alone", Keith Getty and Stuart Townend: a modern hymn many pastors love.

Songs for the children's choir

29. "This Little Light of Mine", traditional spiritual: easy for every age.
30. "Shine, Jesus, Shine", Graham Kendrick: bright and easy to learn.

When is Pastor Appreciation Month?

Pastor Appreciation Month is in October in many US churches, and the second Sunday of October is often set aside as Pastor Appreciation Day. Some churches also celebrate their pastor's anniversary, the date the pastor first came to the church, with a special service. Any of these pastor appreciation songs work for both.

The story behind "Blest Be the Tie That Binds"

In the 1770s, John Fawcett was the pastor of a small, poor congregation in Wainsgate, England, when a large church in London invited him to lead it. According to the well-known story, his belongings were already packed when his congregation's grief changed his mind, and he stayed for the rest of his life. The hymn he wrote about that bond is still sung at pastor appreciation services today.

How to plan a pastor appreciation service

Most churches combine music with words: the choir or worship team sings two or three songs, members share short stories of how the pastor helped them, and the children present cards or a song. A slideshow of photos from the pastor's years at the church, set to "Thank You" or "Goodness of God", is always a moving moment. Keep the service about gratitude, and give the pastor a few minutes to respond at the end.

Songs for a pastor's anniversary or retirement

For a pastor's anniversary, pick songs that look back over the years: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "Find Us Faithful" and "Goodness of God". For a farewell or retirement service, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" and "The Blessing" send them off with love. See our retirement songs and thank you songs for more.

Don't forget the pastor's spouse

A pastor's husband or wife often serves alongside them without a title. Mention them by name during the service, include them in the gifts and choose one song for the whole family.

A song from the whole congregation

A personalized song can tell your pastor's story: the year they arrived, the ministries they started, the weddings, baptisms and hard seasons they walked through with your church, with their name in the chorus. Play it during the service or include it in the slideshow, then give them the MP3 and the lyrics as a keepsake.

How to create a personalized song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: R&B, acoustic, country and more.
2. Add your pastor's name.
3. Share three moments from their ministry at your church.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Thank your pastor with a song of their own: create a song and hear four previews for free.