Love Offering
Let’s join together as a church and bless our pastors generously for the work that they do for the kingdom!
Why National Pastor Appreciation Day?
Two decades ago, Focus on the Family started the annual Clergy Appreciation Month, choosing the second Sunday in October to be a time for congregations to come together to show honor to their pastors. Some might wonder if it’s necessary. After all, pastors are just doing their job! They knew what they were getting into! Right?
It’s important to understand that the concept of honoring our pastors is biblical. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12, Paul commands us to “acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.” Moreover, they are to be held “in the highest regard” (5:13) and are worthy of “double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17).
A pastor never gets to say “It’s after office hours, I’m off work.” There is no punching out at 5.30pm. More often than not, pastors have to miss countless family outings or have them interrupted to minister to hurting people or their congregation.
A pastor is often seen as strong, never tired, with an endless amount of passion, never discouraged, and ever-ready to pray and minister. Yet, they do have struggles you know not of, and fears that are never publicly displayed—only reserved for pouring out unto the Lord.
The call of a pastor extends beyond the individual; it also involves their families. The sacrifices made when individuals answer the call to serve the Lord and His people in the ministry are not to get a pat on their backs. It is driven by a call higher than themselves. Their life motto is to serve. Their end goal? To glorify God. For the sake of the call, pastors do much for their sheep at great expense of their own lives and their families.
Honoring and appreciating our pastors doesn’t just benefit them, it is also for those who receive their ministry. In fact, being thankful is powerful!
Firstly, being thankful protects us from taking our pastors for granted.
”I would not be the leader I am today if not for my mentors who believed in me and saw past all my shortcomings. When we reflect upon the goodness we have received from our pastors, we learn to appreciate that our growth in the Lord is not in our strength or ability but by the Lord’s provision of men and women to teach and disciple us.”
Secondly, being thankful prevents a complaining spirit from spreading.
“The new worship pastor is too loud”, “The preaching was sort of lackluster today”, “The Word is not deep enough”, “The church is getting too big” etc. Complainers think grumbling is a form of discernment. It is not—in fact, it is toxic and it can spread. Ephesians 5:4 (ESV) “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” Give thanks and allow the Lord to change your focus, and renew your mind and heart.
Thirdly, being thankful pleases God and releases His blessings.
When we obey God’s command to us to honor our pastors and leaders, divine alignment happens and opens up the door for continued blessings in our lives.
8 Ways To Honor Your Pastor:
#1 Pray for them
“I urge you, brothers and sisters…to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” – Romans 15:30
Wisdom and discernment in ministry.
Provision for every need
Strong family relationships
Quality rest and good health
#2 SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” – 3 John 1:4
Just as a farmer must wait patiently for their crops to bear fruit, pastors wait weeks, months, even years to see their members grow.
Don’t make your pastors guess whether their ministry has made a difference. Share how they have impacted your life by writing them an encouraging note! Thank them for times when they have ministered to you after “office hours”. Share specific instances where they have helped you become more like Jesus. Affirm that their work matters!
#3 Serve alongside them
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
The task of running a church doesn’t fall on the pastors alone. We all have skills, talents and gifts that can be used to build up the body of Christ.
From serving to being a lay leader, partner with your pastors to create vibrancy and unity in services, prayer meetings, and carecells. If you see a problem, don’t complain about it—be part of the solution!
#4 Imitate their faith
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7
Pastors are very much human and are equally imperfect beings like any of us. Their struggles are real and we can allow their lives to inspire us in following Jesus and living out a life that obeys and honors the Lord’s commands.
Learn from their example. Imitate them as they imitate Christ.
#5 obedience
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” – Hebrews 13:17
While it’s great to be able to agree on everything, that doesn’t quite happen in reality. People are bound to have differing views and opinions. Recognize that leadership is appointed by God. Choose to respond in a manner that honors God and the leadership.
It’s important to talk about differences, clarify misunderstandings and hear their heart for you. Ultimately, trust that your pastor desires God’s best for you and choose to align to God’s purpose for the church to remain united, and honor their call and position.
#6 Give generously
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
You can bless your pastors both financially or with a specific gift. We believe that giving a love offering is the best way to generously bless their families, however, God may lay it on your heart to meet a specific desire or need. It’s important to ask God in prayer how He is leading you to bless them.
Click here to give a love offering
#7 Love their families
“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:12-13
Honor your pastors by loving the ones closest to them. Every family has its own struggles, including your pastor’s family. Don’t expect them to be any better than your own. Eliminate unrealistic expectations and regularly extend grace to your pastor’s spouse and children.
#8 Speak well of the church
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6
As a minister, there’s nothing more disheartening than hearing members speak ill of the church. Remember that the body of Christ is made up of imperfect people. Extend the type of grace you would want extended to you.
Instead of complaining and criticizing, comparing and critiquing, speak well of the bride of Christ. Lift up her strengths, live out her values, and embrace her God-given vision.
Article written by Dominic Yeo titled, “The Power of Honoring Your Pastor”