“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15, ESV)
One of my earliest childhood memories is of the little white country church that sat on a hill not far from our home. It’s been many years, and I was only a toddler, but in that memory, I see a tall (to me at least) man who stood behind a modest pulpit and preached the Word. My first pastor.
I was blessed to have godly parents who faithfully attended church and instilled in me a love for God. I was doubly blessed because of the God-fearing pastors, including one lady pastor, who nurtured my faith and watched for my soul.
Through the years, these pastors baptized me when I was old enough to understand its significance, drove me to rallies and youth camps, involved me in various church ministries, and later sent me off to Bible college. They prayed over me, advised me, and taught me. They believed in me, loved me, and challenged me.
As a child growing up, I never really understood the heavy responsibilities a pastor carries. I did not understand the hours spent studying and preparing for those Bible studies and sermons that seemed to flow so powerfully and effortlessly. I never saw the hours of prayer, the tears, and the heartache of seeing a soul in their care turn away from God. I never realized the many times they sacrificed their family time to deal with an urgent situation within another family. Yet they did it willingly time after time.
A true shepherd serves patiently and willingly out of love. It’s not a power trip or for financial gain. They choose to serve in the same manner as the Good Shepherd served. When they do, they provide us with a wonderful example of righteousness to follow. (Read I Peter 5:2-3.)
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. This is when we honor our Shepherd, express words of gratitude, and perhaps give cards and gifts of appreciation. All of this is needful and wonderful, but we should also let them know we are thankful for their godly love and care all year long.
What are some ways we can show our appreciation to our pastors?
- We must pray for them. In fact, Paul requested the prayers of the saints in II Corinthians 1:11. “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many” (ESV).
- We are to respect and honor them. “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13, ESV). First Timothy 5:17 tells us that those who rule well are worthy of double honor, “especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
- We are to support them financially. “In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (I Corinthians 9:14, ESV).
- We are to follow their godly example. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7, ESV).
Martin Luther described those in ministry this way.
“A preacher must be both soldier and shepherd. He must nourish, defend, and teach; he must have teeth in his mouth, and be able to bite and fight.”
We live in perilous times, and the load our pastors carry is heavy. The enemy would like nothing more than to see them stumble and fall. It is time for us to come alongside and hold up their hands like the men of Israel supported Moses in Exodus 17. Working together and supporting our leadership, the church will prevail.
Lord, I thank you for a pastor who loves truth and loves his congregation. I realize that his load is heavy and he grows weary at times. Help me to lift him up in prayer and to express my love and support not just today but throughout the year.
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