Your pastor carries a lot — much of it invisible. Before this weekend's services, I want to share five simple, unexpected ways to encourage the person shepherding your church.

1. Skip the ask, send the encouragement. For one week, send a text or email that isn't a request or a logistics question — just a genuine thank-you.

2. Loop in the kids. Have a few of your elementary kids write one-line notes about what they love about church. Hand-deliver them before service.

3. Cover a Sunday blind spot. Quietly take one small task off their plate this weekend — setting up a room, handling a tech hiccup, checking on a volunteer — without making it a big deal.

4. Affirm their leadership publicly. In your own ministry announcements or social posts this week, mention something specific your pastor has done well recently.

5. Pray with your eyes open. Instead of praying for your pastor from a distance, ask if you can pray with them for two minutes before service starts.

None of these takes much time. But pastors remember who showed up for them — not just who needed something from them.

Beth Frank is a co-founder of KidzMatter and publishes KidzMatter Magazine along with her husband, Ryan. She is passionate about all things KidMin. Most weeks you can find Beth spending time with her three girls, drinking coffee, brainstorming new ideas in the KidzMatter office with Ryan, or doing ministry at her local church. Beth believes that all of life is sacred and enjoys serving Jesus along the way!