PASTOR APPRECIATION... Sunday

Devotional for 10/4/15

I did not write this but feel a calling to share it, as it appears to be rampant in churches across the country to fight against each other and against pastors.  Satan is happiest when he destroys the church from within.  This month is pastor appreciation month, so here are some ways you can show your appreciation: 

Ten Ways To Help Your Pastor,

 Your Church, and Yourself
~ By Ron Hood

1) Treat him with the proper respect. Treat him the same way you would a doctor, a lawyer, or a respected politician. A pastor's role is more important than all of these professional roles because he is God's appointed leader for you and your family. Therefore esteem him very highly in love for his work's sake (I Thess. 5:12-13). 

2) Follow your pastor as he follows Christ, I Cor. 11:1, Heb. 13:7. Never blindly follow anyone but always follow the man of God who is following Jesus Christ as set forth in the Word of God, Phil. 3:17-21. 

3) Pray for him often (see Eph. 6:18-20; II Thess. 3:1-2). You know how much opposition you receive from the world, the flesh, and the devil; your pastor receives even more, therefore, pray for him! 

4) Obey him as he admonishes you and teaches you the Word of God, see I Thess. 5:12 and Heb. 13:17. These verses teach that you should submit, obey, and follow. 

5) Do not speak against or listen to any gossip or slander about your pastor, I Tim. 5:19 reads, "Against an elder receive not an accusation..." and Eph. 4:29 reads, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth...," and Prov. 6:16-19 teaches that God hates for us to hurt people with words. Listening to gossip and slander is just as much a sin as speaking it. 

6) Support him financially so he can keep his mind on the work of the ministry (see I Tim. 5:17, 18 and Phil. 4:10-19). The ministry of the Word of God is twice as important as just making a living. If a man cannot properly care for his family, he will be distracted from the ministry. It costs your pastor just as much to live as it does you, and in some cases more because of the additional transportation and the way he is expected to dress. 

7) Encourage your pastor. Tell him when he has helped you. Eph. 4:29 teaches that we should speak that which edifies. You minister grace to your pastor when you tell him how he has helped you. He will be a more effective, dedicated servant of God if you give him some feedback on his ministry to you (see Prov. 3:27). It will also be very encouraging if you tell your Sunday School teacher, husband, or wife, and children how they have helped or been a blessing to you. Praise doesn't cost - it pays great dividends - in the home, in the church, in the school, and on the job. 

8) Be patient and understanding with your pastor, his mate, and his children. Do not expect your pastor or his family to be perfect, they are human. John 1:5, and James 5:17 teach that a man of God has the same human weaknesses and temptations that we all face. 

9) Stay busy serving the Lord. this will bless your life and be a tremendous encouragement to your pastor. You have a spiritual gift, so use it. John 13:17 teaches, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Happiness doesn't come from knowing what is right, happiness comes from doing what is right. Therefore, serve the Lord. 

10) Be a blessing to your pastor, your family, and all who know you by being a soul winner. People all around us are lost in sin, dying and going to hell. Do all in your power to win them to Jesus Christ. Tell them what Christ has done for you and what He can do for them. Reflect on what your salvation means to you and then realize that those who are lost in sin need the same joy, peace, assurance, and hope that you have.

May God bless you and your church as you bless your pastor.

Jan Andersen