5 Ways to Honor Your Pastors

It’s Pastors Appreciation Month!

In October, we take the time to encourage and uplift our Pastors as we appreciate them for all that they do for us and the Kingdom of God. This year has been extremely hard for Pastors all across the world as they had to remain steadfast during a pandemic that overwhelmed people with fear and grief. Here are some things that we can do to honor them not just in the month of October, but throughout the year.

1. Commit to praying for them daily.

Romans 15:30 “ I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf”

Pastors have the burden to steward the sheep in all areas of their lives. They are responsible for the entire well-being of the flock that the Lord has entrusted them with. 

This can lead to times of being overwhelmed and struggling as they balance ministry and their personal lives. Commit to praying for your pastors daily and do it. Your prayers matter and are an expression of how invested you are in covering your pastors. Partner with the Holy Spirit for prayer points specific to your pastors.

 Here are a few that you can use:

•  Pray that their love for Jesus be their first love. (John 21:15-17 , 1 John 4:8)
• Pray that family and marriage be their first ministry. (Ephesians 5:25, 1 Timothy 3:4)
•  Pray for their purity and that they do not fall into temptation (Psalm 24: 3-4, 1 Corinthians 10:13)
•  Pray that they seek God’s direction for the church (Exodus 33:13-15, Psalm 32:8)
• Pray that they teach sound doctrine (2 Timothy 2:15, Titus 1:9)
• Pray that they receive rest (Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 62:1-2)

2. Make an intentional decision to not speak ill of them or allow others to do so.

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

The Lord has provided you with pastors who are meant to help you walk in your assignment and calling. Honor them and the God within them by not speaking ill of them. Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way: “The tongue has the power of life and death.”

Your words can either speak life, or your words can speak death over your pastors. Our tongues can build them up, or it can tear them down. Honor them in public AND in private by not allowing others to speak ill of them in your presence.

3. Support them in times of need.

Exodus 17:12 “But Moses; hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”

I know that it may be hard to see it at times, but your pastors are human too. They have to balance their calling as pastor as well as their personal lives and this can cause weariness. Sometimes you may be able to clearly see those moments and know how you can help, while other times you won’t.

Simply taking the time to ask your pastors “What can I do to help you?” can be effective. Provide support for them in any way that you can. Remind them that you are available to assist and lighten the load in whichever way that you can. This will not only honor them but also encourage them by reminding them that they are part of a body of believers.

4. Encourage them personally with a word of appreciation.

1 Thessalonians 5:13 “and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” 

Take a moment to personally encourage your pastors. Be specific as much as you can. Let them know how their sacrifice has impacted you personally and in your walk with Christ. Encourage them by letting them know what part of their teaching or sermon truly touched you and why. This can be via email, text, call, or in person. 

5. Provide the time and opportunity for them to grow.

2 Timothy 1:6. “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

 Honor your pastors by providing the time and money to allow them to go to conferences and seminars. This will give them a space to be filled with a fresh perspective and connect with other leaders. All pastors should be students of the Word in order to teach their flocks effectively. Attending seminars and conferences will make them better

Pastors and strengthen their leadership skills. 

Did you know?  

 Did you know that this month is Pastor's Appreciation month? Now, these are only 5 ways to honor and bless your Pastor but there are so many more things you can do to honor them. This month, let's be intentional about honoring our Pastors and making them feel encouraged and loved.