October is Pastor Appreciation month. Therefore, I want to talk a little about the importance of pastors to our spiritual growth. After serving the Lord for over 54 years, I have experienced many pastors and a few that were life-changing.
A pastor is the faithful shepherd over a church. As a shepherd, the pastor leads his congregation to the spiritual food and rest they require. He will protect, care for, and comfort his flock as needed.
Just as a shepherd is necessary to oversee a flock of sheep, a pastor is necessary to oversee a congregation. True pastors give their love and devotion to the people in their charge.
The congregation’s spiritual growth, and health is their responsibility. One day they will have to answer to Jesus about how they led their congregation.
Your Pastor Is A Gift
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11 CSB)
This passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians tells us pastors are a gift Jesus personally gave to the Church. We can’t despise Jesus’ gift. He knows what the Church needs and has supplied us with every spiritual blessing. (see Ephesians 1:3)
If Jesus gave us pastors as a gift, it is because we need them. They are vital for us to mature spiritually.
Why do we need them? Look at what Paul continues to say concerning Jesus’ gifts to the Church.
To equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. (Ephesians 4:12–14 CSB)
Jesus gave pastors as a gift to the Church to build up the body of Christ until we reach unity in faith and unity in the knowledge of Christ.
When we mature as measured by Christ’s fullness, then we are no longer tossed about by the winds of doctrine. Mature Christians can’t be conned by false gospels. They know the truth and aren’t fooled by lies stuffed into a skin of truth.
What Is A True Pastor
I will give you shepherds who are loyal to me, and they will shepherd you with knowledge and skill. (Jeremiah 3:15 CSB)
God promised us pastors that are true shepherds over their congregation. I find it interesting God’s Word compares pastors to shepherds.
A shepherd’s job is to take care of his flock. The flock is important to the shepherd.
Therefore, the shepherd will do whatever it takes to make sure his flock is safe and provided for. He finds the best grass for his sheep to feed on so they can grow strong and finds pure cool water for them to drink.
The shepherd will work hard to keep the flock safe from parasites and disease. If necessary, he will even lay his life down to protect the sheep. This is what a true shepherd does.
Pastors do the same for their congregation. They feed their people with pure spiritual food and watered with the Word of God. They keep their congregation safe from parasitic false teachers and diseased false prophets.
When wolves try to sneak into the congregation, the pastor will fight them with the sword of the Spirit. True pastors daily lay their life down for their church.
A Pastor’s Job
Pastors have the most difficult and demanding job in the Kingdom of God. They carry the same family and personal obligations as all believers, but have the added responsibility and care of a church family.
They fight satan’s schemes and strategies on two fronts – their own family and their church family. If you, as a believer, think you get tired, remember your pastor never gets a break from spiritual battle. He must fight for you, your family, and his family.
The pastor’s job is to feed the congregation the Word of God so they can stand against the strategies and schemes of the devil. They are to spend their time in prayer and ministering the Word (see Acts 6:4)
Your pastor deserves your loyalty, faithfulness, and respect. Too many believers take their pastor for granted. Some even expect their pastor to be available 24/7 – expecting him to drop everything and run to their side at a moment’s notice.
Yet, some of these same people don’t support their pastor with prayer or their money. And their faithful pastor still loves and cares for them.
A true pastor that is called of God is special. When you have one, treasure him or her.
Pastors That Have Changed My Life
There have been a few pastors that have had a life-changing effect on my life. The first one is Rev. Allen Brindisi. He came to pastor our small country Presbyterian church in 1971. He was the young, energetic son of a Presbyterian minister. His energy and passion caused the youth group to grow. It was under his ministry when I first heard the call of God on my life.
My next memorable pastor was Brother Barnett. He pastored the small Pentecostal church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which I attended while serving in the U.S. Navy. He was very patient with me and my immature faith that constantly challenged him with why questions.
I watched him serve his church with passion and single-mindedness. He gave them his time, energy, and even his money when needed. It was Brother Barnett that taught me how a pastor is to be a loving shepherd over the church.
To this day, Brother Barnett is to me the best example of a pastor.
The last pastor to make a difference in my life was Aaron Hunter. He and I had an unusual relationship. When the current pastor of our small church of 46 people abruptly walked out on us, Aaron took over as pastor.
He and I joined forces to lead the church in a different direction. Those first two years are one of the most exciting times in my Christian life. It was then I learned what it takes to lead a church.
Aaron had an unusual love for people. He continually gave of himself, at times to the point where his family sometimes paid the price. Aaron was our pastor for 18 years before the church closed during the pandemic.
Pastor Appreciation That Shows You Care
A pastor needs more than a handshake and “That was a wonderful message, pastor.” They need actual support for all their love and devotion. Here are five things you can do to show your pastor appreciation:
- Do this year-round, not just on pastor appreciation day. That is the most important first step.
- Pray daily for your pastor.
- After the service, tell your pastor one good point from his sermon. He wants to know that his congregation is really listening. This is much better than simply saying it was a good message.
- Share with your pastor any time you put into action what he has taught. He wants to know that what he teaches is being put into practice.
- Give the pastor a gift, card, or take them to lunch occasionally.
- Find something at church that needs doing and do it. It will relieve the pastor from having to do it themselves.
- Support your pastor financially by tithing.
Specific Prayers For Your Pastor
Here are two specific prayers for your pastor directly from God’s Word:
In addition, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. (2 Thessalonians 3:1 CSB)
We must pray for the Word of God to spread rapidly and to be honored. Pray against satan’s attempts to hinder the preaching of the Word. Also pray that everyone will honor God’s Word by obediently doing what the Word says.
I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. (Philemon 4–7 CSB)
Here is how I use this Spirit inspired prayer for pastors and ministers.
I always thank my God when I mention (pastor’s name) in my prayers, because I hear of (pastor’s name) love for all the saints and the faith that (pastor’s name) has in the Lord Jesus. I pray that (pastor’s name) participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. For I have great joy and encouragement from (pastor’s name) love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, (pastor’s name).
Pastor Appreciation Is About Treasuring Your Pastor
You will show your pastor appreciation by treasuring him or her all year. Treat your pastor as the gift they are. They may not be perfect, but they are valuable. Their love and devotion to the congregation makes them vital to every believer’s growth.
Don’t ever take them for granted. Go out of your way to appreciate the gift Jesus gave you.
Here are some of my other articles that may interest you:
Your Purpose in Life: The Reason You are Alive Today
Your Promised Land Is Chosen by God for Your Freedom and Success
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