Ten Great Gifts for Ministers and Preachers

Gifts for ministers are typically gifts with faith in mind. From devotional diaries to Christian t-shirts or ties, there are many gifts that would be perfect for a minister, but finding the gift that's right for your minister can be quite a challenge. Here is a list of ten great gifts for ministers.

Preacher Pin - What better way for your minister to display their position than with a "Minister" pin from St. Andrew Church Supply. This small lapel pin is made of pewter and makes a perfect tie tack. The arched motif and simple "Minister" label is a subtle way for your minister to indicate their calling. This is convenient when your minister is officiating over a wedding, performing a ceremony, funeral services, or taking part in a visitation. $6.00.

Cross - The Lenox Crystal Cross, available from the Cozy Pineapple, is a stunning work of art. It catches light so beautifully, that with the proper positioning, it casts rainbows. The cross extends from a three tiered base (base and cross are all one piece) and it is considered a perfect wedding item as well. A unique cross from United Design Spiritual Harvest Collection (Encore) is the Isaiah 54:10 Promise Cross available from Team Logo. This bone colored cross is ornately created to appear to be rising out of the sand. The very BEST gift for a minister that I've seen lately is the Amazing Grace Wall Plaque, available from Faith Accents. This plaque features three crosses on an antique-looking 12" x 13.5" wall plaque. The finish is that of rusty metal, giving the appearance of spikes and nails being used to create the crosses themselves. This highly recommended gift is made of Stonecast material and costs $25.99, an amazing price for an amazing decorative item.

Comfy Throw - After a long afternoon, your favorite minister might enjoy relaxing with a Footprints in the Sand Throw Blanket available from Keepsakes-etc. This inspirational afghan is tightly woven of 100% cotton, is 46" x 67" in size, and is machine washable. Also available are lighthouse themed throws and other religious gifts. For additional throws perfect for clergy or any Christian, head to Alice Accents for excellent tapestry-style throws depicting The Ten Commandments, The Lord's Prayer, the 23rd Psalm, as well as twenty-six other throws to choose from.

Philippians Pillow - The Philippians 4:6 Word Pillow, available from Alice Accents, is a great gift for any minister. This tapestry-looking 12.5" x 8.5" semi-rectangular overstuffed pillow says "Don't worry about anything, Instead pray about everything, And thank Him for His answers. Philippians 4:6. This item is just $15.95. Also available from the same online store is a set of two mini-plates that read, "Before you go to bed give your troubles to God. He'll be up all night anyway." This oval ceramic plate is 4" x 5.5"

Leadership Journal Subscription - If your minister isn't always a subscriber, consider giving the gift of The Leadership Journal. Currently, the Leadership Journal offers a special if you purchase two gift subscriptions. This in-depth magazine offers insightful information, tips, lifestyle articles, cartoons, and news for pastors and church leaders. The resources are tremendous. One issue is released every season, for a total of four a year. The Leadership Journal also has a companion website to go along with the print magazine to give your minister even more articles, information, and news.

Gift Certificate - A Christian Book Gift Certificate is a thoughtful gift for any minister. Your favorite clergy member can select from books, gifts, DVDs, and other religious themed items. In the pastoral section, Christian Book offers a full line of more than 23,000 books. If your pastor is looking for hymn soundtracks or accompaniment disks, Christian Book offers close to 7,000 different tracks in anything from traditional to contemporary styles. Over 5000 video and DVD items are available including the Left Behind series. What a wonderful expression of appreciation!

Coffee Mug - The Ten Commandments Coffee Mug available at the Victory Store is just part of the full Ten Commandments line including a yard sign, t-shirt, lapel pin, button, bumper sticker, and print. This mug comes in 11 oz or 15 oz and makes a lovely gift. A simple white ceramic mug is adorned with the commandments in blue with red crosses, perfect for coffee hour or an afternoon cup of cocoa. $12.95 each, with bulk discounts available.

Prayer Cards - Sold in sets of 25, Cokesbury carries natural look prayer cards that sport the phrase "Pray without Ceasing." Your favorite minister can use them to take notes on prayers that need taken care of or offer them to congregation members. $4.00

Software - News you can Use 101 Sermon Illustrations offers strange but true stories is a CD-Rom that covers 101 different sermon topics. These stories are perfect to use as parables or examples to encourage congregation members to reflect on the message. $24.99 where most Christian books and software are sold.

Preachingplus membership - The ultimate website for ministers is Preaching Plus, an exciting site offered by group publications. Preaching plus is an insightful, thorough, fun website for ministers and clergy members to glean helpful hints, sermon concepts, jokes, illustrations, news, and articles about ministry today.

Choosing the perfect gift for your minister or clergy is not always an easy concept, but realize that the main gift any pastor wants is the gift of recognition. Though the message delivered every Sunday comes from God, and the minister is only a megaphone for that message, the extra things your pastor does like visiting the sick and shut in, performing ceremonies, and all the knee time he puts in definitely qualifies him as deserving of a thoughtful gift for the holidays. Good Luck!