14/06/2026
SUNDAY SERVICE – 14th June 2026
PASTOR'S APPRECIATION DAY
Message by Rev. Paul Okosodo
Title: The Importance of a Pastor
Text: Jeremiah 3:15
"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:15
Beloved, one of the greatest gifts God gives to His people is a pastor. A pastor is not merely a church leader; he is God's appointed shepherd over His flock.
A shepherd guides the sheep to green pastures, protects them from danger, and ensures they do not go astray. In the same way, God places pastors in our lives to guide us spiritually, pray for us, teach us God's Word, and watch over our souls.
The tragedy of many believers is that they recognize the value of many things but fail to recognize the value of the gift God has placed over them. Every gift is meant to be cherished. If God calls pastors a gift to the church, then they deserve to be appreciated, honoured, and valued.
Jesus asked in Malachi 1:6: "If I be a father, where is mine honour?"
In the same way, if someone is truly your pastor, where is the honour due to him?
The level of value you place on what God has given you often determines the blessings you receive through it.
1. Recognize the Importance of Your Pastor:
In 2 Kings 4:8-17, the Shunammite woman perceived that Elisha was a holy man of God. She recognized the grace upon his life and deliberately honoured him. Recognition always precedes reward.
Many people desire the blessings connected to a servant of God, yet they fail to appreciate the servant himself.
The Shunammite woman did not honour Elisha because she needed something from him. She honoured him because she valued who he was. As a result, God visited the area of her life that had remained barren for years.
Declaration:
May your eyes be opened to recognize the blessings God has placed around you. As you honour God's servants, may Heaven remember you for good in the name of Jesus!
2. Those Who Bless You Spiritually Deserve Your Support:
In 1 Corinthians 9:11-15, Paul asked a simple question:
"If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?"
Your pastor spends time praying for you, counselling you, studying the Word to feed you, interceding for your family, and watching over your soul.
The Bible teaches that those who labour in spiritual matters should also be supported materially by those who benefit from their ministry.
Sadly, some people willingly sow seeds to ministers they only see on television or social media, yet neglect the pastor God has personally assigned to shepherd them.
God's order is that we should appreciate and support those who minister directly into our lives.
Declaration:
As you support the work of God and honour those who labour over your soul, may God open channels of blessing that no man can shut in the name of Jesus!
3. Personal Appreciation Matters:
Many people hide under group appreciation and never develop a personal culture of honour. But your relationship with your pastor is personal.
Others may know him as a preacher, but you know him as the one who has prayed for you, encouraged you, visited you, counselled you, and stood with you through difficult seasons.
Therefore, your appreciation should not be limited to special occasions. Honour should become a lifestyle.
4. Honour Opens the Door for Divine Supply:
In Philippians 4:14-19, the Philippian church supported God's servant consistently.
Because they cared for God's work and God's servant, Paul released a powerful blessing over them:
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
The Philippians understood a principle many believers ignore: when you honour God's work, God honours your needs.
There are blessings attached to appreciating God's servants. When you become a blessing, Heaven ensures that blessings do not depart from your life.
Cherish your pastor.
Carry him in your heart.
Let his burden concern you.
Remember him in your prayers.
Remember him in your giving.
Remember him beyond special celebrations.
Declaration:
Is it money you need? Whatever you need, as you honour God's servant and appreciate the grace of God upon his life, may God supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in the name of Jesus!
SHALOM!