“The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”
— 1 Timothy 5:17
True Pastor Appreciation
Every November, churches across America celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month. But that raises an uncomfortable question:
What about the other eleven months?
If my congregation ever asked what I truly desired for Pastor Appreciation Month, my answer would be simple—and spiritual:
1) Be Kind to My Wife and Family
Kindness is not saying, “Bless your heart, we love y’all so much,” and then turning around to gossip, criticize, complain, and sow division.
The pastor’s family is not a target for venting frustrations, but a sacred trust for the church to guard.
Nothing drains a shepherd’s heart faster than watching wolves—disguised as sheep—tear at his wife or children.
When Paul wrote,
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31–32
he wasn’t talking about a slogan. He was describing what love looks like in Christ’s Body.
You want to honor your pastor? Protect his home. Bless his wife. Encourage his children. Refuse to participate in gossip or criticism.
2) Contribute—Don’t Consume
Whenever you gather with your church family—on campus or off—bring your A-game.
Be an active listener. Take notes. Highlight Scripture. Nodding, smiling, saying “Amen”—these aren’t theatrics; they’re spiritual participation. They tell your pastor, “I’m with you. I’m engaged. I’m learning.”
Outside of Sunday service, dig deeper. Study the Word.
If your church is walking through a book of Scripture, read it. Know the author, audience, context, and main theme.
Hebrews 5 rebukes spiritual immaturity:
“By now you should be teachers, but you still need milk… Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” — Hebrews 5:12–14
Knowing Bible stories is not the same as knowing the Bible.
Study the text historically, theologically, and contextually. Learn its language, purpose, and place in the redemptive narrative. Excellent resources like The Bible Project can help—but ultimately, nothing replaces a humble heart and an open Bible.
If you can binge-watch a show for hours but can’t study God’s Word for thirty minutes, you don’t have a time problem—you have a treasure problem.
The Measure of a Disciple
If your pastor has spent weeks preaching through a book of Scripture, and you still can’t recall its author, audience, theme, or the message’s application, that says something about your spiritual soil.
Jesus said,
“The seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop—yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” — Matthew 13:23
Are you consuming, or are you producing?
Honoring your pastor is not a one-time gesture with a $20 gift card. True honor is reflected in spiritual fruit—growth, obedience, and maturity.
The Pastor’s Call and the Church’s Purpose
Paul wrote:
“It was He who gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God—maturing to the full measure of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11–13
A faithful pastor’s goal is not to make you feel comfortable, affirmed, or entertained. His aim is to exalt Christ by equipping the saints to do the work of ministry.
That means your calling as a believer isn’t to be a spectator but a servant. Don’t just ride along as a passenger—join the crew.
Many treat Sunday like a spiritual pep rally. It isn’t.
That’s why Scripture calls it “The Lord’s Day.”
Our worship gathering is not for self-expression but for self-denial—an hour where all attention turns to the Triune God who alone is worthy.
The Right Kind of Honor
You can honor Christ Jesus by honoring those He has called to shepherd you.
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Respect your pastor as Christ’s appointed servant.
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Treat his family with dignity.
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Pray for him earnestly.
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Engage with the preached Word actively.
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Receive correction humbly.
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Apply Scripture faithfully.
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Bear fruit abundantly.
That’s the kind of “double honor” 1 Timothy 5:17 speaks of—an honor not measured by money or gifts, but by obedience, engagement, and maturity.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” — Romans 12:2
In Summary
Pastor Appreciation Month should not be a token gesture.
It should remind the church of a year-round responsibility: to love, support, and partner with their pastor for the advance of the gospel.
Gift cards fade. Sermons are forgotten.
But hearts transformed by the Word and believers equipped for ministry—that’s the pastor’s true reward.
“The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor.” — 1 Timothy 5:17
So honor them by living the Word they labor to preach.
Grace & peace,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
BigIslandChristianChurch.com
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