“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”Hebrews 13:17 NKJV

October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation month. All good churches will take time to honor and celebrate their pastor this month. A church’s pastor is one of their greatest treasures. There is no such thing as a perfect pastor but that does not matter. God demands that a congregation should love and respect their pastor. They must treat him with the honor and dignity that is due to the pastoral office.

God would have you to know that your pastor has the legitimate authority to lead the church. He is worthy of your respect and you should treat him as a leader and a friend. You should always pray for him and offer him your hands as helping hands. Deacons should shoulder their share of the ministry, and their share is probably more than they have been doing in the past.

Your pastor is not part of the furniture of the church, do not take him for granted. You should pay him as much as you can, indeed pay him a little more than you can afford. Above and beyond his salary, pay his ministry expenses. Understand that he will make mistakes and that he does get tired. He needs time off and adequate vacation time. Make sure he has it and make sure that he takes it.

A pastor is not hired by the church, he is called by God. He has been charged with the great responsibility of caring for the souls of his people. He is never off duty because his greatest desire is to fulfill his responsibility to the people he loves and the God he serves.

The challenge for the church is this. Learn from your pastor’s teaching, follow his lead and strive to be made perfect. You should also resolve to never hinder, nor allow anyone else to hinder, your pastor as he fulfills the functions of his office and position as your pastor. Finally, always treat your pastor as if he is the greatest pastor you have ever had and he probably will be.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends