Paul says, “It was He (Jesus) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–13).
Your pastor is a gift from the Lord to you. He or she has been called and anointed by God to be your shepherd so that you will grow spiritually to serve the Lord and also be a blessing to others.
Paul also says, “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Honoring those who serve as pastors and overseers is scriptural and pleases God.
 In conjunction with NECF’s Ministers’ Appreciation Month this October, I would like to suggest three meaningful ways by which you can be an encouragement to your pastors and leaders.
Pray for your pastors
Pastors shoulder a heavy responsibility. They have been called to preach and teach the Word, nurture and equip the people of God for the work of the ministry. In doing this, they sometimes encounter obstacles and challenges.
Paul understood the importance of prayer for those in leadership. He said, “…pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith” (2 Thessalonians 3:1–2).
Pray that God will bless your pastors with daily wisdom and strength as they serve the Lord and His Church.
Provide for your pastors
The Bible teaches, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:17–18).
Providing material support for pastors and leaders is a God given responsibility and is an appreciation to God for providing shepherds for His people.
Partner with your pastors
The work of the Lord is accomplished not by one person alone but by believers working together. The Body of Christ is made up of people with diverse personalities and gifts and yet united in a common cause (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). The apostle Peter reminds us that “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
Be a blessing to your pastor by your willingness to serve and assist in the many ministries of a local church such as worship leading, teaching, hospitality etc.
Take advantage of special occasions to appreciate your pastor. Significant anniversaries recognising years of faithful ministry and landmark birthdays are wonderful opportunities to express your love for them. These occasions will also be a blessing to the church as they strengthen bonds within the church family.
Finally, as you honour God by honouring His servants, you too will be blessed. The Bible says, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11:25).
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