{"id":3301,"date":"2017-08-30T19:22:21","date_gmt":"2017-08-30T19:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/?p=3301"},"modified":"2017-09-06T20:53:26","modified_gmt":"2017-09-06T20:53:26","slug":"pastor-appreciation-day-article-bishop-tommy-mcghee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/2017\/08\/30\/pastor-appreciation-day-article-bishop-tommy-mcghee\/","title":{"rendered":"Pastor Appreciation Day Article by Bishop Tommy McGhee"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paul encouraged Timothy to \u201cmake full proof\u201d of his ministry in 2 Timothy 4:5 KJV. With these words, this young minister was challenged to demonstrate the true characteristics of a person and pastor who is called by God, and is obedient and faithful to Him. \u00a0A Pastors role is about being and doing.\u00a0 Pastors who fulfill the Biblical role, as demonstrated by our Lord and instructed by the Apostle Paul, should be acknowledged and honored by the church.\u00a0 Scripture admonishes us to know those who labor among us and to honor them. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 NIV says, \u201cNow we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.\u201d II Timothy 5:17 NIV says, \u201cThe elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.\u201d\u00a0 As we approach \u201cPastor Appreciation Day\u201d, I want you to consider the following acrostic for the word PASTOR<\/em>.<\/p>\n

P \u2013 Preacher \u2013 The preacher is to \u201cExalt the Savior.<\/strong>\u201d Jesus said when we lift Him up, He will draw all men unto Him. Preaching is not about us, but about Him. He has been exalted and given a name that is above every name.<\/p>\n

A \u2013 Administrator \u2013 An administrator has the responsibility to \u201cEstablish the Structure.<\/strong>\u201d Paul told Titus \u201cThe reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished.\u201d \u00a0A faithful pastor seeks to create a biblical structure so the church can stay on mission and be obedient to our Lord.<\/p>\n

S \u2013 Shepherd \u2013 The Shepherd should \u201cEncourage the Sheep<\/strong>.\u201d A loving shepherd will be faithful to feed and lead, to guard and guide the sheep under his care.<\/p>\n

T \u2013 Teacher \u2013 As a Teacher, the pastor must \u201cEquip the Saints<\/strong>.\u201d Ephesians 4 challenges the pastors and teachers to \u201cequip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.\u201d<\/p>\n

O \u2013 Overseer \u2013 The Overseer must diligently and continually \u201cExamine the Spirits<\/strong>.\u201d Paul warned Timothy that in later times there would be \u201cdeceiving spirits\u201d I Timothy 4:1 NIV.\u00a0 John the beloved also reminded the church to \u201cnot believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world\u201d 1 John 4:1 NIV.<\/p>\n

R \u2013 Restorer \u2013 The Restorer should \u201cExtend the Staff<\/strong>.\u201d Pastors are always looking for lost sheep. In Luke 15, Jesus shares how the shepherd is not satisfied to have most of the sheep at the end of the day.\u00a0 A faithful shepherd is like his master who came to seek and to save the lost. Our Shepherd loves His sheep and wants us to find them. \u00a0The Shepherd\/Pastor goes out into the night to rescue and restore those who have wandered away from the fold.<\/p>\n

The work and burdens of these servants of God have never been greater. One of the greatest needs of pastors is for people who will join with him or her in the work of the ministry.<\/p>\n

Hopefully you are asking \u201cwhat can I do to help my pastor?\u201d Below are just a few ideas that would mean so much to your spiritual leader:<\/p>\n