And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11–12 NASB
With October being Pastor Appreciation Month, I’ve been thinking back on my own experience as a pastor. What a joy it is to serve God’s people, and what a responsibility to care for those He entrusts to us. As the National Day of Prayer family prays for the Church this month, let’s remember those who faithfully teach, lead, and pray for our congregations. Behind the Sunday message are burdens we may never see. One of the best ways we can show our love and appreciation is to faithfully hold our pastors up in prayer.
In Acts 6, the apostles shared responsibility for the church’s growing needs while remaining devoted to their calling: “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4 NASB. I know from experience how many good and necessary things compete for a pastor’s time and attention. Our pastors need time to seek the Lord’s heart, study His Word, and prepare to share it faithfully with us. As we pray for them and share in the work, we help make room for that time with Him.
Paul explains in Ephesians 4:11–12: “And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.” Those saints—God’s holy ones—are us! Our pastors aren’t called to do all the ministry work themselves. They are called to equip us to serve, too. Every one of us has a part in building up His Church.
I want to encourage you; make praying for our pastors a daily expression of love. Pray for their time with the Lord, for wisdom and courage as they teach, and for strength, rest, and joy as they serve. Remember their families and the needs they carry quietly. Let your pastor know you are praying and then add to that encouragement by putting your gifts to work alongside them. God has given us work to do, and He has called us to do it together.
Please pray with me.
Father, thank You for the pastors You have given to shepherd Your people. Refresh their hearts, deepen their love for Your Word, and give them wisdom, courage, and joy. Strengthen their families and meet the needs we cannot see. Help us faithfully hold them up in prayer, receive Your truth with willing hearts, and put our gifts to work serving others. Build up Your Church so that, together, we point our neighbors and our nation to Jesus. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Rejoicing in hope,
Dion Elmore
Vice President