This month, the religious world stops for a moment and says thank you to those that serve in the role of preachers. Most people recognize this as Pastor Appreciation Month. However, a pastor is a shepherd, and a preacher is a proclaimer. The point is that the Bible teaches that these are two different functions of leadership in the church. Sometimes the responsibilities spillover on one another, and sometimes one seems to dominate the spotlight more than the other.
Even though I preach and minister, that does not make me a pastor. I don’t meet the qualifications (see: Titus 1:5-9, 1 Tim. 3:1-7, and 1 Peter 5:1-4). So I want to take a moment and say thank you to all the pastor shepherds I know.
It’s challenging work and is even more difficult now than I think any of them realized when they agreed to it. Hardworking shepherds are always on the watch for the enemy and looking out for their flock. I have spoken with so many pastors during this crisis over the last few months who are passionate about doing whatever it takes to minister in these trying times.
Thank God for the shepherds!
Take the time today to call or text your pastor shepherds and let them know how much you appreciate them.
I love you,
Alexander