Are Pastors Under-Appreciated?

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18.) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." 1 Timothy 5:17 - 18

As I began this article please allow me to clarify that it is not pointed directly at the church I am Pastor. However it is directly pointed to all churches and all church members. The question is; is your pastor appreciated for being your pastor. The church has many members and she also has many officers but she only has one Pastor. Outside of her head Jesus Christ the pastor is the single most important person in the Lords church. This is proven out in the fact that there is only one in a church; he may have some more ministers under him but one is the pastor. He is a man called of God not to only preach the gospel but to also pastor a church. Please allow me to speak boldly here; your pastor spends many hours every week in order to fulfill the work that God has appointed him too. He cannot be replaced except by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. There are sometimes many men in the churches that has the learning, the ability, and the goodness in their heart to teach and fill in for a pastor if need be, however they are not called pastors and therefore they cannot replace the pastor. Beloved your pastor is there by the grace of God and can be removed at any time.

I have always believed any church that is doing things right in Jesus Christ in their hearts will never need. God will supply any needs they have. This includes their Pastor, only Jesus Christ can call one because it is He whom builds the church. Pastors are not a dime a dozen and neither do they fall off of trees. Since a Pastor is one of a kind and since they are appointed to spend their lives studding to teach the membership so they can grow in the Lord, shouldn’t they be most appreciated? The Lord said they are to be “…counted worthy of double honour…” do you as church members double appreciate your pastor. Is he worthy of double honor, the Lord also declared “…elders that rule well...especially they who labour in the word and doctrine…" Honor can be anything; it could be a pat on the back, it could be a thank you, it could be telling him how much you love and appreciate him, and it can include a raise in pay or a simple bonus. While honor can be shown many ways it is counted more honorable and worthy if it comes from the heart. Doing any of these things for your pastor is good but it is extremely more honorable if he can tell it comes from the heart. But beloved church members let me tell you an absolute truth “…The labourer is worthy of his reward." And please understand you will never do too much for your pastor, if he is worthy.

True appreciation comes from the same place true worship comes, the heart. One cannot be truly saved, cannot truly worship God, nor can they truly appreciate a pastor unless it comes from the heart. 1 Timothy 4:6 "If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." Beloved be sure to let your pastor know your appreciation for him, if you feel in your heart to do so. I would never want anyone to do anything for me without it comes from the heart. 1 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; (13.) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."