byPastors are one of the least honoured workers around the world. Many people are duly recognised and compensated handsomely in their various workplaces. But in church, it isn’t the case. Most people, especially in Africa (I speak like this because I’m a Ghanaian), depend directly on their pastors for their spiritual nourishment, but only a few care about their welfare. Today, for a child to aspire to be a pastor is one thing that parents in my country don’t like. Why? Because of the extreme levels of poverty, many men of God endure. But should that be the case? Of course not! In our article series in this Pastors Appreciation Month, we’d like to release resources focusing primarily on the welfare of pastors. Today, I want to talk about honouring pastors.
The unseen works of the pastor
1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NKJV) says,
[17] “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine. [18] For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” “
The book of Timothy was Paul’s letter to Timothy, who was a young pastor. By the time Paul was writing this, he was of age. So, much of his advice written in those two epistles carried so much weight, having walked with the Lord for several decades. In those days, people were appointed in churches as elders to oversee a section of the members of each church. Paul says that among those elders, some rule well. That meant that part of their work was to ensure things are done in order as far as the ministry is concerned, and a key role is to labour in Word and doctrine. Today, most people are unaware of the immense effort required for a pastor to preach every week, sometimes multiple times. Many people view ministers as lazy individuals who spend their days sleeping, only to prepare a sermon on Saturday night for Sunday’s sermon. But that’s not true.
The work of the ministry is like the sea. Until you are plunged into it, you’ll not know how deep and laborious it is.
Ministry is more hectic than people see it.
What goes into running ministries is much deeper than people see. The work of the ministry is like the sea. Until you are plunged into it, you’ll not know how deep and laborious it is. And as long as this holds, unbelievers will never understand the works of the pastor.
If you are a pastor reading this right now, please listen to me. You don’t need to explain what you do to people, especially unbelieving people in your life (including some extended family members). Even if you try, they’ll never understand. What you have to do in order not to be lonely in this call is to have like-minded believers you can share your life with, especially a believing partner. God didn’t call you to walk on this faith journey alone. Build meaningful friendships today.
Share in all good things with your pastor.
Now, to the main reason why you may have tapped on the link to read this article. Galatians 6:6 (NKJV) says,
[6] “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.”
According to this verse, it is essential that congregants honour their pastors with some of their material produce. Note that the same Paul, who got inspired to write this Scripture, didn’t give this command to pastors but to congregants. So, as a pastor, you don’t have to request any physical provision from your congregants. Let God do His work by touching their lives to bless you. But for you, focus on the work. Also, as a congregant reading this, consider factoring in some expenses in your budget purposely for your pastor. You’ll be fulfilling Scripture as you do this, and God will bless you.
