Never Enough Pastor Appreciation

The second Sunday in October (10/15/2015) is Pastor Appreciation Day, and the entire month of October is Pastor Appreciation Month.

It’s quite common for Christians to ‘church shop’ when moving to a new community, or if they’re dissatisfied with their current church. They visit a number of churches until they find a church that fills their needs.

It’s good to find a church that’s just right. If a couple has an infant, a church with a nursery program is ideal. Senior members might need to be picked up by the church van. Mostly, every Christian needs a pastor whose preaching touches their soul.

Could I suggest that once the Holy Spirit has indicated what church to attend, that all the members of the congregation give their support to the pastor. That would be encouragement, lending a hand, prayer, and yes…financial support. May I also suggest the reason the Holy Spirit sends anyone to a particular church is to be of service in the Kingdom.

Most Christians have no idea of the amount of work involved in running a church, the number of hours the pastor puts in. Members of the church often can’t comprehend how stressful it is for his family living in a fishbowl.

Is it biblical to show public and open appreciation for the pastor?

1 Thessalonians 5: 12-13 [NASB] ~

¹² But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, ¹³ and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.