"Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine," (1 Timothy 5:17 NKJV)
Pastors do what no one else in the church can do--feed and lead the flock. If they do it well, then Paul commands that they receive double honor. Men of God who faithfully preach the Word of God should be honored by the church of God.
October is a month when many churches will observe Pastor Appreciation Month. I want to encourage our Haywood Baptist Churches to consider this. What can you do to honor your elders?
Pray for them. Have a time in the service when you lay hands on them and pray for them. Prepare a prayer guide and distribute it to the church family that will commit to pray for them.
Work with them. No matter how gifted the pastor is, they cannot do all that needs to be done. Don't wear them out, but work alongside them. They will be so grateful.
Give thanks for them. A card, a letter, a text, an email, a conversation--let them know what they mean to you. Pastors hear a lot of criticism. How about sharing some encouragement?
Share a gift. The primary meaning of 1 Timothy 5:17 is to financially support those who spiritually enrich you. Pastors have bills to pay and kids to feed just like everyone else.
Offer extra time off. Pastors are on call 24/7. Even when they are away from the church, the church is not away from them. You can honor them with some extra vacation time.
What else can you think of? Form a team to plan a special month, and have a select Sunday to top it off. A good pastor will be fueled to do even better when he is well-honored for honorable work!
Respectfully,
Dennis Thurman, AMS
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