Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #14

Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #14

October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.

When General Booth was asked what had been the secret of his success, he replied, "I will tell you the secret—God has had all there was of me. There have been men with greater brains than I, men with greater opportunities, but from the day I got the poor of London on my heart, and a vision of what Jesus Christ would do for them, I made up my mind that God should have all of William Booth there was; and if anything has been achieved, it is because God has all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will, and all the influence of my life."

It is a great privilege to be a pastor and to lead a local church. To preach the riches of God's Word to people is a thrill beyond measure. The ministry will have heartaches and trials that no man will be able to escape. There will be times of loneliness and when you are misunderstood, and even sharply criticized by some in the church. You must do what is right and never bow to pressure, nor develop a mean spirit toward anyone in the congregation. We must keep our eyes on the Lord who called us into ministry and never take our eyes off him.

1. The Position of the Pastor.
The position of pastor is one that was instituted by God for the benefit of the local church. Ephesians 4:11-12, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” The pastor is not like an employee of some business in the corporate world. He has been called by God and placed in a specific local church to help lead that congregation.

2. The Power of the Pastor.
The authority to the pastor for his ministry has been delegated to him by God. John 13:20, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” When someone receives authority from a higher power, they act on behalf of them. Esther 9:29, “Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.” The king gave them this authority, and because of it, they were able to do what they did. When people work with God-given authority instead of against it, it is for their benefit and will glorify God. When authority given by God is used for the glory of God, then it will benefit everyone that is involved.

3. The Purpose of the Pastor.
The pastor has been placed in the church by the Lord Jesus to lead the flock of God. It is also important that he will feed the flock and protect the flock entrusted to his care. Acts 20:28-30, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” The importance of this ministry is very important, especially in the times in which we live, before the soon return of Jesus. The world has become increasingly wicked, and it is important that the Christian not pattern themselves after the philosophies of this world.

4. The Platform of the Pastor.
God gives each one of us a platform to serve others and be a blessing to them. This would include sharing the Gospel and being a servant to other Christians. If we are faithful in that, God will increase our positional platform so we can serve more people. Mark 10:44, “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” God does not want any leader being a dictator or strong arm people to serve them. We need to follow the example of Jesus in this area. Philippians 2:7, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

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