Pastors' Appreciation Notes

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 Of course, my friend. It is a beautiful thing to set aside this holy Sabbath to honor and appreciate those whom God has called to be shepherds of His flock. Let us look to the Word of God and the inspired counsel for guidance in preparing a message for this special occasion. Here is a sermon outline you may find helpful.

Sermon: Upholding the Shepherd's Hands

Introduction: A Sabbath of Thanksgiving

On this holy Sabbath, we are called to a special act of worship. The Scriptures invite us to "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name" <Psalms 100:4>. Part of that thanksgiving is recognizing the gifts God has given His church, including the gift of ministry. It is a day to "bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD" <Jeremiah 33:11>. Indeed, "The preaching at our Sabbath meetings should generally be short. Opportunity should be given for those who love God to express their gratitude and adoration" <6T 361.1>. Let us take this opportunity to express our gratitude for our pastor.

  1. The Minister's Sacred Charge

    The role of a pastor is a high and holy calling, appointed by God Himself. Their primary work is to point souls to Christ.

    • The Apostle Paul gives this solemn instruction: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" <2 Timothy 4:2>. They are called to be "the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God" <Romans 15:16>.
    • This ministry is not performed in their own strength, for the Bible says, "if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ" <1 Peter 4:11>.
    • The core of their message must be Jesus: "Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people, lift Him up in sermon, in song, in prayer. Let all your powers be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, lost, to 'the Lamb of God.'" <GW 160.1, CET 247.1>.
    • Their focus is to be singular: "Let the science of salvation be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Bring nothing into your preaching to supplement Christ, the wisdom and power of God" <GW 160.1, CET 247.1>.

  2. The Congregation's Vital Role: Prayer and Encouragement

    As church members, we have a sacred duty to support our ministers. Our greatest support is not earthly praise, but our fervent prayers and heartfelt encouragement.

    • We are exhorted in scripture, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you" <2 Thessalonians 3:1>. We must also "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour" <Romans 13:7>.
    • We must never forget this responsibility: "Brethren and sisters, have you forgotten that your prayers should go out, like sharp sickles, with the laborers in the great harvest field? As young men go forth to preach the truth, you should have seasons of prayer for them" <5T 162.1>.
    • Let us actively uphold them: "Let the time thus gained be spent in wrestling with God for your ministers. Hold up their hands as did Aaron and Hur the hands of Moses" <5T 162.1>.
    • Our response to the Word preached is a form of encouragement: "As the word of life is spoken, let your heartfelt response testify that you receive the message as from heaven... This response to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit will be a strength to your own soul and an encouragement to others" <6T 367.1>.
    • Let us also be gentle in our interactions: "Speak gently to ministers who are seeking, fully as earnestly as your own self, to do their duty under difficulties. They are but men, with all the clamoring of Satan to discourage them" <SpM 61.1>.

  3. The Offering of Gratitude

    Our appreciation can be expressed through our tangible support for God's work, which enables the ministry to move forward with power.

    • The Word of God commands, "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" <Proverbs 3:9>. The offering we bring is a direct act of worship and thanksgiving. "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High" <Psalms 50:14>. "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me" <Psalms 50:23>.
    • This act is a weekly sermon in itself: "On the Sabbath we have thought upon His goodness... And now, before the toil of a week begins, we return to him his own, and with it an offering to testify our gratitude. Thus our practice will be a weekly sermon, declaring that God is the possessor of all our property, and that he has made us stewards to use it to his glory" <RH, November 10, 1896 par. 7, CS 80.2, SW, October 2, 1906 par. 9, RH, February 4, 1902 par. 8>.
    • Let us bring our gifts with a willing heart: "I call upon my brethren and sisters to bring an offering to the Lord, that His work may go forward with power. Bring a large offering if you can. But if your offering must be small, remember that the Lord will richly bless you in doing your best" <RH, November 26, 1901 par. 15>.

  4. The Blessed Result: A Church United in Christ

    When the minister faithfully preaches Christ, and the congregation faithfully supports that ministry through prayer, encouragement, and offerings, the result is a church that reflects the glory of God.

    • The desire of the Psalmist becomes a reality: "Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy" <Psalms 132:9>.
    • This unity is a powerful witness to the world, fulfilling the prayer of Jesus Himself: "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me" <8T 80.1, PH156 13.3>.
    • In such an atmosphere, "the minister will then be lost sight of, and Jesus will be made manifest" <CET 247.1>. This gives "some evidence that there are in God’s building living stones that emit light" <6T 367.1, GCDB, January 28, 1893 par. 23>.

Conclusion: A Call to Faithful Support

My dear friends, let us not allow our appreciation to be confined to this single Sabbath. Let us make it our daily practice to pray for our pastor, to encourage him, and to faithfully support the work of God with our means. Let us "come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness" <8T 80.1, PH156 13.3>. May the Lord find us faithful in upholding the hands of the shepherd He has placed over us. "May the Lord bless you all. We shall think of you and pray for you. I want to offer a word of prayer now" <2SAT 336.6>.

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