05/03/2026
HOW TO RESPECT YOUR PASTOR.
■ GUARD YOUR WORDS
Avoid gossip and criticism.
Ecclesiastes 10:20 (KJV) – “Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice…”
Speaking negatively behind your pastor weakens respect and can cause division.
Address issues respectfully.
If correction or feedback is necessary, do it in private and with humility, not publicly.
■ HONOR THEIR ROLE, NOT JUST THEIR PERSONALITY
Hebrews 13:17 (NIV) – “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”
Even if you don’t always agree with your Pastor’s style or personality, respect the calling and office they occupy.
■ DON'T COMPETE WITH YOUR PASTOR
Avoid trying to prove you know more Bible or have more spiritual gifts.
Numbers 12:1-10 – Miriam and Aaron disrespected Moses by questioning his authority, and God judged them.
■ SUPPORT, DON'T UNDERMINE
Don’t start side conversations, groups, or movements in the church that go against his vision.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 (NLT) – “Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.”
■ RESPECT THEIR TIME AND PRIVACY
Don’t demand constant attention or call at odd hours unless it’s an emergency.
Give them space for family, prayer, and rest.
■ OBEY INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE PULPIT
2 Kings 5:13-14 – Naaman almost missed his miracle because he disrespected Elisha’s instruction.
Pastors are spiritual guides; ignoring their counsel is indirectly showing dishonor.
■ DON'T FAMILIARIZE TO THE POINT OF DISHONOR
Being close to your Pastor astor doesn’t mean treating him like a buddy.
Mark 6:4 (KJV) – Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country…”
Familiarity can block blessings.
■ BE A HELPER, NOT A BURDEN
Instead of always complaining be part of solutions.
Uphold your pastor in prayer (Ephesians 6:19), encourage them, and support the ministry.
You avoid disrespecting your Pastor by guarding your speech, honoring their spiritual office, following their godly counsel, supporting their vision, respecting their personal life, and avoiding familiarity that breeds contempt.
