3 Encouraging Reminders for Pastors

By J.J. Washington

Real estate is all about location, location, location. However, in ministry, pastors know it is all about the Lord, the Lord, the Lord! So, as we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, we desire to encourage you with three reminders:

  1. The Lord called you! Paul explained his calling to the Galatians this way: “God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me, so that I could preach Him among the gentiles.” (Galatians 1:15–16). Like Paul, the Lord has called you, Pastor, to preach the gospel, so continue to guard that priority.

  2. The Lord is with you! Proclaiming the gospel in today’s culture is no popular task, but, Pastor, you are not alone! Remember what Jesus told His disciples following the Great Commission: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Paul needed this reminder during a difficult time in his ministry while in Corinth: “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking, and don’t be silent; For I am with you …” (Acts 18:9–10). Just as with Paul, the Lord is also with you!

  3. The Lord is your trust! The Lord told the Israelites as they built the temple to work, “Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit …” (Zechariah 4:6). The temple wouldn’t be finished by human strength, but by the Lord’s empowerment. Pastor, labor hard but don’t rely on your exegetical skills, speaking ability, strategy or degrees. Instead, continue to trust in the Lord alone for Kingdom impact.

We appreciate you, Pastor, and this month it is our prayer that you will be encouraged in the Lord!


Published October 14, 2022

J.J. Washington

JJ serves on the North American Mission Board's Evangelism Team as national director of personal evangelism.