Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #28
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you. The Pastor’s Provisions (I Timothy 5:17). I Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 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 sour 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. Pastor’s Provisions (I Timothy 5:17). Provide with the Right Resources (I Timothy 5:17). I Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” God will richly bless churches that richly bless God’s man and family. To "negotiate" with churches, or to canvass around looking for a place with a bigger salary is not in the will of God. Nor is it right for a pastor to bring into his sermons his own financial needs, hoping to arouse some support from the finance committee! Provide with the Right Respect (I Thessalonians 5:12-13). I Thessalonians 5:12-13, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” God’s people are to esteem pastors highly, and to do so in love for the work of the ministry they perform. A healthy church will have a high respect for the man of God as he does the work of God. 2. Pastor’s Profile (Hebrews 13:17) The Position of the Pastor (Ephesians 4:11-12). The position of pastor is one that was instituted by God for the benefit of the local church. He has been called by God and placed in a specific local church to help lead that congregation. The authority of the pastor for his ministry has been delegated to him by God (John 13:20). 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. The Purpose of the Pastor (Acts 20:28-30). The pastor has been placed in the church by the Lord Jesus to lead the flock of God. It is also important that he feed the flock and protect the flock entrusted to his care. The importance of this ministry is great, 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. The Platform of the Pastor (Mark 10:44). 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. God does not want any leader being a dictator or strong-arming people to serve them. We need to follow the example of Jesus in this area (Philippians 2:7). 3. Pastor’s Pattern (Hebrews 13:7) Hebrews 13:7, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” “Whose faith follow” (I Corinthians 4:16; I Corinthians 11:1). Remembering the leaders and their responsibility. Ponder the Person: The pastor must be a person of high moral character that you trust. The character of the person will determine what kind of person and leader they are. No one is going to be perfect, but their life needs to reflect godly character. Ponder your Practice: It is important that people in the church follow leadership. It is easy to submit to authority when you agree with it, but how about when you may not agree with a decision. People will never agree with leadership 100% of the time, but that does not give anyone a right to manifest a rebellious spirit. Ponder their Path: The pastor must try to live what he preaches. If you preach right but do not live right, then you are in danger of being like the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:2-3). Ponder their Preaching: The pastor must preach the Word of God faithfully and accurately. The preaching from the pulpit will influence a person and their family in a great way. This makes it imperative to have a man of God in the pulpit that a congregation can respect and listen to. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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