“But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you instruction, and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NASB
“The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17 NASB
October has been the month of breast cancer awareness since 1985. It is a time to inform, educate, support, and supply hope in celebrating cancer survivors and remembering those who fought the fight against it. October is also the month of recognizing and appreciating clergy. According to several sources, Pastor Appreciation Day began being promoted as such in the early 1990’s.
Genuine recognition and respect of clergy are rightly deserved. The task of pastoral ministry, especially the care of a congregation, is not easy. It is a burden regardless of the size of the congregation. I can attest to that personally having served in pastoral ministry for nearly 40 years.
We often recognize the worth of pastors by the size of their church memberships: small, medium, large, or mega. We generally esteem those with higher numbers. But Thom S. Rainer offers a different take writing, “a minister who leads a church of 100 members is leading a relatively large organization, more than many in the secular world will ever lead. In addition, the minister is leading a large number of volunteers. Leadership is tough in any setting, but particularly this one.”
I deeply appreciate Ashely DeKock’s perspective of pastors.
She writes, “taking the time to genuinely recognize all the work that pastors do for a congregation is so important. A pastor’s role is uniquely stressful in that it doesn’t have typical 8-5 business hours. Weeks are long, and the role carries a lot of emotional, mental, and spiritual weight. There are few, if any, ‘off-the-clock moments’ for a pastor. They constantly work to meet the needs of the congregation. Pastor Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to reciprocate that.”
The concept and call to recognize and respect and appreciate with affection pastoral leadership is not a novelty of our modern history. It can be traced back to the early first century church.
The Apostle Paul expresses in his writing to the Thessalonian church and to his pastoral protégé Timothy what type of attitude the local congregation should adopt with regards to their treatment of spiritual leadership.
John R. W. Stott sharply notes, “they are neither to despise them, as if they were dispensable, nor to flatter or fawn on them as if they were popes or princes, but rather to respect them, and to hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”
This intimates more than mere recognition, but great respect with affection due to the importance of leadership’s function. This does not suggest having a blind respect for leadership that is reckless or causing disorder in carrying out their leadership responsibilities. Leading well in directing and managing the affairs of the church, especially working hard in attending to their pastoral duties and spiritual care of a congregation are what deem them worthy of honor and respect.
If you are blessed to be served by such spiritual leadership, be sure to highly appreciate them with loving affection. And if possible, show such throughout the year.
Rev. Johnson Beaven III is a speaker, theological educator, and ministry mentor. For more information, view linktr.ee/johnsonbeaven. Contact him via email at jb3ministries@gmail.com or on X @jbeaven.
