Peace for Your Pastor

Nº 270

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - OCTOBER 3, 2023

There is but one God, and they that serve him should be one. There is nothing that would render the true religion more lovely, or make more proselytes to it, than to see the professors of it tied together with the heartstrings of love. If God be one, let all that profess him be of one mind, and one heart, and thus fulfill Christ's prayer, "that they all may be one." - Thomas Watson

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! Whoever sets the calendar designated October to honor those who serve as pastors of our local churches.

Paul doesn’t focus on a special month, but he does provide some powerful insights. He asks his readers to, “Respect those who labor among you and who are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

What does it look like to honor our pastors and appreciate their ministries? Do we bake them cookies? Give them a gift card to a nice restaurant? Write them an encouraging card? Send them on a trip? Provide a bonus? Those are all great ideas, and we should look for tangible ways to express our appreciation to them.

But Paul gives a profound answer in the next sentence. “Be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13b)

If we truly want to honor those who lead our churches, we should get along with one other. Unity in the body would free many hours each week, remove emotional strain, and allow pastors to focus on other significant ministry opportunities.

This month – and beyond – honor your pastor and be at peace among yourselves.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc