You probably attend the church you do for a number of reasons. One of the primary reasons, is most probably, that you like the pastor. Your pastor has a heavy responsibility on him. He must answer to God for his leadership of the flock that God has given Him under his care.
In days past, the pastor was looked up to as one of the leading men in the community. Sadly to say, those days are past. Too often the congregation looks at him with no greater reverence than a manager of a church. Scripture clearly states that the pastor is appointed by God and the church members are to follow his leadership. Vance Havner says things in a clear light. He says this when addressing the pastor: “If the pastor of the smallest church in North Carolina became the president of the United States, he’d be stepping down.” Think about that quote for a minute or so. It is so sad that you, probably, do not agree with that quote. This is sad; that attitude reveals your low opinion of the ministry of God.
The Word of God commands believers to have a high regard for those who shepherd over them. One such verse is 1 Timothy 5:17: “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” The pastors who preach and teach well “are to be considered worthy of double honor.” This means that those ministers are to receive special, special treatment. This also implies that every pastor, regardless of his preaching and teaching, is to be considered with “honor.”
Your pastor works extremely hard to shepherd the flock of God, that the Lord has bestowed under his care. Take him and his family out for lunch after church with you picking up the tab. If not, do something to show you pastor your appreciation for him. Now, that is “double honor”!
