A calling into ministry is not to be taken lightly, and is one of the most significant things that can be responded to. God gives all of us special tasks to carry out His work. He appoints church leaders to guide and guard His people and teach them to understand His word. In the Bible, priests are described as being specially selected to serve God’s people. That is no less true today!
Yet our pastors have a tremendously challenging job. It is important to appreciate what they do and give them support, encouragement, and thanks. It’s also essential to recognize that our greatest example of pastoral leadership comes from the “great high priest”, Jesus, who will always lead us perfectly, no matter how our earthly pastors are.
Children’s Sermon Lesson
Who’s in charge? Wherever they go, kids recognize those in leadership roles. In the church, that usually means looking to the pastor for guidance. Serving in ministry is an immense and challenging calling. Pastors work very hard, and too often we don’t provide them with quite the appreciation and gratitude that they deserve. Scripture reminds us of the importance of church leaders as God’s chosen instruments to guide us and teach us in faith matters. This message invites children to consider how helpful and special pastors are in our lives.
Craft Ideas for Pastor Appreciation
Pastors do so much for us, and we hardly know the challenges and stresses they face daily. Those in ministry guide us in understanding God’s Word and in a sense speak for Him in they spiritually lead their congregations. It is important to support our pastors with prayer, encouragement, and words of appreciation. If you are looking for a creative way to express gratitude to pastors, try a variation on one of these simple but heart felt card options.
Bible Verses/story to Reference: Hebrews 5:1-10
For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,
“You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6 as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. -Hebrews 5:1-10