We usually enjoy taking the time to remember others at Christmas. Tops on the list for many people are gifts for the pastor. The pastor gives of himself (or herself) throughout the year. Often, needs and personal family time are set aside. As the wife of a pastor, I can say that pastors do this without open complaint because not only do they love to serve others but they are called to do just that.
Christmas gives us the perfect excuse to say thanks for all the effort. Pastors will receive most items appreciatively. Before we go dashing off to the nearest Christian bookstore there is something you need to know. There are gifts that your pastor may not need or want. These are best left at the store or given to someone else.
Before you spend your hard earned money be sure to check out the list below. It’s a list of the top worst gift ideas for pastors or clergy.
Top Worst Gift Ideas for Pastor or Clergy Idea #1
Christian Books
The latest best selling Christian book. Chances are that the Pastor may already own a copy. It’s also likely that if she or he doesn’t already own it they will by the time that the Christmas season is over. In fact, he or she may get so many copies that there could be a study done on the book (which is probably already being put together by the church anyway).
Top Worst Gift Ideas for Pastor or Clergy Idea #2
Christian DVDs
The same goes for the latest hot Christian DVD or video to come out on the market. (See the item mentioned above.)
Top Worst Gift Ideas for Pastor or Clergy Idea #3
Framed artwork or prints.
Artwork is also not a good idea. Some parsonages have restrictions on the number of prints that a pastor’s family may have on the walls. Unless you are on the committee you may not know what the rules are so it’s best to pass on the artwork.
Top Worst Gift Ideas for Pastor or Clergy Idea #4
Ties.
Chances are, the pastor has tons of them and some pastors don’t wear them.
Top Worst Gift Ideas for Pastor or Clergy Idea #5
Reference Items
Study materials, research books or religious instructional videos can be great gifts. The trick is to consult with the pastor before purchasing them.
Top Worst Gift Ideas for Pastor or Clergy Idea #6
Anything that has to be fed.
This includes plants and fish. Anything other than the traditional Christmas poinsettia should be avoided. It may be calming to you to see an aquarium in the pastor’s office. It may stress him (or her) out to have to feed it and clean the tank. Plants may die from dust asphyxiation under a pastor’s care. It’s better to save the suffering of the innocent and give these items to someone with more time to take care of them.
Top Worst Gift Ideas for Pastor or Clergy Idea #7
Wine.
As a general rule wine does not make a good gift for a pastor. While many pastors and priests do drink wine, other pastors won’t. Some pastors will consume it only for Holy Communion and not drink a drop of it otherwise.
