God desires that His people grow in the knowledge of His Word. He placed some individuals in the church so that they could minister and edify the body of Christ. The gift He gives the church makes some pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets and apostles.
They have the mandate to feed the body of Christ. Pastors have the primary function of feeding the church with God’s word and seeing to her welfare, both spiritually and physically. They are expected to fulfil this duty with the utmost sense of responsibility and consciousness that they are accountable to God for the souls in their care. Although only God can reward His servants, members are encouraged to appreciate their pastors from time to time.
Who is a Pastor?
The word “Pastor” is translated from the Greek word “poimen” which means shepherd. A shepherd is a person whose job is to watch over a flock of sheep by making sure they are safe, well-fed, and kept under control. In the context of a local church, a pastor is the spiritual shepherd. In the New Testament, a pastor’s office is one of the five ministry offices that God gave to the Church(Ephesians 4:11).
There are four other different words used interchangeably with the word “Pastor”. These include Bishop (Acts 20:28). These terms are used in different denominational contexts to describe a local church’s head. Some denominations such as Baptists prefer to use pastors for men and women who are called by God and have gone through training in any of the Baptist theological institutions, to fulfil the ministry.
Sharing Time: How important is a pastor to a local church?
What are the Duties of a Pastor?
The office of a pastor should be viewed as that of a servant-leader who does the following duties:
Representing Christ(1 Timothy 3:): The lifestyle of a pastor must reflect the character of Christ. Pastors should live in such a way that their lives attract unbelievers to Christ. This should be the priority of any pastor before other responsibilities.
Teaching and Preaching the Word of God(Acts 6:4; 1 Timothy 5:17-19): Pastors have the primary duty of teaching and preaching the Word of God under the influence of the Holy Spirit, to bring about transformation in the lives of members.
Overseeing of the Church (Acts 20:28): Pastors have the responsibility to oversee the spiritual and administrative affairs of the church. Pastors call for meetings and initiate programmes for the overall growth of the church.
Leading Worship Service: Pastors have the obligation of conducting worship services such as Sunday worship, weddings, naming, funerals, baptism, and administration of the Lord’s Supper, amongst others.
Caregiving: This duty includes visitation, counselling, comforting, and meeting the physical needs of members.
Organising/initiating missions and evangelism: Pastors should have a passion for organising outreaches. This would motivate church members and encourage them to be involved in missions and evangelism.
Resolving doctrinal issues(Acts 15:6): As spiritual leaders of local churches, pastors should be knowledgeable in the doctrine of the church. They have the responsibility to explain doctrinal issues to members and to resolve disagreements on such issues when the need arises.
Why pastors should be celebrated
The pastoral work is demanding; it is a call to service by leading the church to over members grow in the knowledge of Christ. Aside from labouring through prayer and teaching the Word of God, church members expect that their pastors should be available for them in challenging times.
The pastor is often the first port of call when members encounter challenges. The pastor is involved in almost all aspects of his members’ life. Even though pastors have their challenges, they often prioritise their members’ needs above their personal needs. For their commitment, pastors deserve to be celebrated. Below are some of the reasons why pastors should be celebrated:
- Pastors should be celebrated because they watch over the church·(Hebrews 13:17).
- Pastors should be appreciated because they feed the flock of God with spiritual food(1 Timothy 5:17).
- Pastors should be appreciated because they pray for the church.
- Pastors should be celebrated because they admonish the church in the Lord’s ways(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
- Pastors should be celebrated as an act of obedience to God’sinjunction(1 Corinthians 9:14).
- Appreciating pastors brings blessings to church members(Galatians 6:6-7). Meeting the needs of your spiritual leaders attracts God’s blessing. He that honours a prophet in the name of God enjoys the prophet’s reward(Matthew 10:41).
Sharing Time: Is it a duty or a privilege to celebrate/appreciate pastors?
How to Celebrate Pastors
Having established that it is biblical to celebrate pastors, the following are ways in which you can celebrate your pastors:
Public Recognition: Giving your pastor recognition in the public is a way to celebrate the grace of God on him. Such public recognition can be at a marriage ceremony, housewarming, christening and what have you. No matter how your pastor is or what he does, it is risky to disgrace him in public or openly. The reason is that you are not the one that called him to work. If you discover something wrong about him, try to call him to order one one-on-one and settle the matter. It is embarrassing and barbaric to challenge him for his wrongs in public. Instead, recognize and appreciate him.
Sponsoring their Vacation: Rest is beneficial to a pastor’s physical, spiritual, emotional and social health. Pastors should have a time to rest; a time to withdraw from church activities to retreat or rest. Sponsoring your pastor to go on vacation in a place where there are little or no distractions is a way to appreciate him. Such a vacation helps pastors to renew their relationship with God.
Cash Gifts: We can celebrate pastors by giving them monetary incentives. Such a gift often meets not only the needs of the pastor and his family but others too, especially church members. The gifts given to your pastor go a long way to being blessed. Not because your pastor does not have, but because you have it in mind to bless your pastor and you too to be blessed.
Joint Appreciation by Church: Baptist churches under the umbrella of the Nigerian Baptist Convention are encouraged to appreciate their pastors at five-year intervals. Such a laudable programme is a way of celebrating pastors for their labour in God’s vineyard. Such a celebration serves as encouragement to pastors. The church that knows this secret and does will be blessed. The church that does not think of this is shutting the doors of blessing streams against themselves.
Attendance During their Functions: Do you know that pastors are very impressed and happy that you regularly and punctually attend the church? He believes that you are interested in helping and supporting his ministry and you also believe in his ministry. The church members should also attend their pastor’s social activities. Such an attitude encourages pastors and boosts their morale. They feel accepted when members support them by their physical presence during their social function. It is a way of celebrating them before the public.
Sharing Time: What other ways do you think your pastor can be celebrated?
Conclusion
It is a good culture to celebrate our spiritual leaders, especially church pastors. Ministering to pastors in various ways encourages them to put in their best in the Lord’s work. The intention is that His servants will not be distracted from doing His work. That is why He commanded His people to meet their physical needs. Make it a commitment to always celebrate or appreciate people who have spiritual leadership in you.(1 Corinthians 9:9-12)
Prayer: God, protect, preserve and provide for our pastors.
Post-Group Activity: Go in pairs to pay your pastor’s unannounced visits this week.
