Show appreciation for your pastor - All The Word for Today Daily Devotionals for 2025

‘Appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:12 NCV

Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica: ‘Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do’ (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 NCV).

Now consider these twenty-first century statistics: (1) Fifty percent of pastors feel so disheartened they would leave the ministry if they could, but they don’t know any other way to make a living. (2) Half of all new ministers won’t last more than five years in ministry. (3) Only one in ten ministers will retire while still serving in some capacity. (4) In America, over 1,700 pastors left the ministry every month during 2011. There are many reasons why pastors walk away. One major reason is inadequate financial support and the toll it takes on their family. Paul addressed this issue directly: ‘Let the elders [pastors] who rule well be counted worthy of double honour [financial remuneration], especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages”’ (1 Timothy 5:17–18 NKJV). Another reason pastors quit is because they are often the target of harsh and constant criticism. Paul gives this instruction: ‘Do not receive an accusation against an elder [pastor] except from two or three witnesses’ (v. 19 NKJV). So what can you do? Pray for your pastor. Encourage them. Appreciate them. Let them know that their work matters—not just to you, but to God. And when you do, Scripture assures us: God will bless you for it.

Soulfood: 1 Chr 19:1 – 23:20 John 9:24-41 Ps 115 Pro 25:26-28