Appreciating Your Pastoral Leadership

As I considered speaking from the following passage of Scripture, I initially felt a little uncomfortable because I was exhorting and admonishing God’s people in an area in which I was personally involved.

It is similar to a single mom who has to teach a child that giving a present to his mother is an honorable thing to do. If two parents were in the home, the Dad for example, would encourage the child to get mommy a present for her birthday or the mother would encourage the child not to disobey his father.

Being the only elder at that time, I was faced with the task of teaching from the Bible how the congregation should relate to me.

Paul exhorts his readers concerning their relationship with their elders in 1 Thess. 5:12-13. He does so as a third party with apostolic authority.

(1 Th 5:12 NASB) But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,

(1 Th 5:13 NASB) and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

In order to understand this properly, we need to view it within context. Remember, Paul is exhorting Christians how to conduct themselves in view of the return of Christ and the impending day of the Lord.

Paul isn’t using his apostolic authority here (request or urge) and demanding that his readers follow his instructions. He could have done so according to Acts chapter five.

(Acts 5:1 NKJV) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

(Acts 5:2 NKJV) And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet.

(Acts 5:3 NKJV) But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

(Acts 5:4 NKJV) "While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

(Acts 5:5 NKJV) Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.

(Acts 5:6 NKJV) And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

(Acts 5:7 NKJV) Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

(Acts 5:8 NKJV) And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?" She said, "Yes, for so much."

(Acts 5:9 NKJV) Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."

(Acts 5:10 NKJV) Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

(Acts 5:11 NKJV) So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Paul could have issued a command as an apostle but he chooses not to do so. He makes an appeal or makes a request as a friend.

Notice he refers to them as “brethren.” What was it that Paul is requesting of the brethren? He is requesting that they appreciate those who diligently labor among them, and have charge over them in the Lord and give them instruction.

Paul is describing their elders or pastors here and in describing them he gives three characteristics of pastoral leadership:

1.) Those who diligently labor among you.

2.) Those who have charge over you in the Lord.

3.) Those who give you instruction.

Paul is requesting that the brethren respect their elders. The word respect is translated “know” in the KJV from the Greek word eideo which means to “regard” or “esteem.”

We are living in the days when men, women, boys and girls have lost respect for authority. People no longer have respect for the powers of government, the police, and their parents. This “lack of respect” has as most everything else in the world these days, oozed into the church. Now you can add “pastors” to the list of powers of government, the police, and parents.

The Word of God is very clear that as Christians, we must respect and submit to God-ordained authority. We must submit to the authority of our pastors

(Heb 13:17 NKJV) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.