I appreciate every pastor that has ever lived.
Here are the 4 hardest jobs in America according to leadership guru Peter Drucker:
#1 The President of the United States
#2 A University President
#3 A CEO of a hospital
#4 A Pastor
This month around the nation is what’s called Pastor Appreciation month. Many have no idea the magnitude of the weight that a caring and loving spiritual leader carries. Pastors are held to a higher standard of holiness, commitment, servitude, faith, and endurance. Like Elijah, all pastors are as human as those they preach to and lead. Paul says it like this:
2 Cor 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Pastors have to depend on the power of God to help them care for the people of God. Often shepherds work long hours and often receive little pay. The word says that pastors are not supposed to be motivated to do what they do for pay. Yet, they are supposed to be compensated commensurate to their labor.
1 Tim 5:17-18
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
There are people who just don’t understand the importance of being a blessing to their leaders for their efforts to make sure that they are equipped for the work of the ministry and empowered to live in this life.
Yes, there are false apostles and false teachers and false prophets and lazy and ineffective pastors. This is what makes this month so difficult to understand for so many people. Always keep in mind this one thing. If there are bad pastors and false apostles and teachers then there are also good pastors and true spiritual leaders.
Here is our responsibility as it relates to them:
Heb 13:17
17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God.
And lastly,
1 Thess 5:12-13
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.
I appreciate every God-called pastor that I have ever met. I want to appreciate every true leader that has impacted and enhanced my life. It is my prayer that they will be appreciated and loved this month and every month of the year until the Lord returns.
I’m grateful for the people that God has placed me in the midst of and has given me the responsibility to lead and feed. To my Potter:s House Family and my Covenant Fellowship Family I want to say that I appreciate you for loving me.
Happy Pastors Appreciation Month to those who are truly called of God to tend to God’s people. We salute you and honor you in love for your work’s sake.
—Vaughn McLaughlin
#happypastorsappreciationmonth