Introduction
Pastors carry a weight most people never see: sermons, hospital visits, counseling, late phone calls and the care of a whole flock. Pastor Appreciation Month in October is a good time to say thank you, and the Bible gives us words to do it. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, are grouped into five themes: honoring those who lead, shepherds after God's heart, praying for your pastor, encouraging and supporting your pastor, and what a pastor carries. Use them in a card, a gift note, a bulletin or a prayer.
Honoring Those Who Lead
1. 1 Timothy 5:17
"Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching."
Elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. Scripture calls the church to honor its shepherds. A word of thanks, a note, an invitation to dinner or a gift in October are simple ways to put this verse into practice. Read all of 1 Timothy 5.
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
"But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves."
Paul begs the church to know those who labor among them and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. To know a pastor is to see the person behind the pulpit. Tell your pastor specifically how their work has helped you, and honor them as a person, not just a role. Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5.
3. Hebrews 13:7
"Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith."
Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you, and imitate their faith. A pastor's greatest legacy is the faith others catch from them. Think of the sermons, prayers and examples that shaped you, and thank your pastor for being someone worth imitating. Read all of Hebrews 13.
4. Philippians 2:29
"Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such people in honor,"
Receive such people in the Lord with all joy, and hold them in honor. Paul speaks of faithful servants who risked their lives for the work of Christ. Welcome your pastor with joy, not with criticism. Honor is a gift that energizes ministry and makes it a delight. Read all of Philippians 2.
5. 1 Corinthians 16:18
"For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that."
They refreshed my spirit and yours; therefore acknowledge those who are like that. A good pastor refreshes people. If your pastor has refreshed you, say it. Your acknowledgment may be exactly the encouragement they need in a week when they have been carrying heavy burdens. Read all of 1 Corinthians 16.
Shepherds After God's Heart
6. Jeremiah 3:15
"I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
God promises to give shepherds according to his heart who will feed his people with knowledge and understanding. A faithful pastor is a gift from God to a church. When you see wisdom and care in your pastor, receive it as an answer to this promise and give thanks to God as well as to the person. Read all of Jeremiah 3.
7. 1 Peter 5:2-4
"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away."
Peter urges elders to shepherd God's flock willingly, not under compulsion, not for dishonest gain, and as examples. When the chief Shepherd appears, they will receive a crown of glory that does not fade. Your appreciation reminds your pastor that serving with a willing heart is seen by people and by the Lord. Read all of 1 Peter 5.
8. Acts 20:28
"Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood."
Paul tells the elders of Ephesus to take heed to themselves and to all the flock, for the Holy Spirit has made them overseers. A pastor's calling comes from God, not from a committee. Thank your pastor for watching over the flock, and pray they would also watch over their own soul. Read all of Acts 20.
9. John 10:11
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Every pastor is an under-shepherd who follows the Good Shepherd. Keep this in mind in your appreciation: you are thanking a person who, however imperfect, serves the One who laid down his life for us. Read all of John 10.
Praying for Your Pastor
10. Ephesians 6:18-19
"with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News,"
Paul asks believers to pray at all times in the Spirit and to pray for him, that utterance may be given to him and that he may speak the Good News boldly. Pastors need that kind of prayer. This October, promise your pastor in writing that you will pray for boldness, wisdom and strength. Read all of Ephesians 6.
11. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you,"
Brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified. A pastor longs for more than a full building: they long for God's word to move and transform lives. Pray for the preaching, the teaching and the quiet conversations during the week. Read all of 2 Thessalonians 3.
12. Romans 15:30
"Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,"
I beg you, strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. Paul does not hide his need for prayer. He invites the church to wrestle together. Ask your pastor for specific prayer requests, and then actually pray. It is among the finest gifts you can give. Read all of Romans 15.
13. Colossians 4:3
"praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,"
Pray that God may open a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ. Pastors face closed doors in people's hearts and in circumstances. Pray for open doors for the Good News, and for wisdom to walk through the right ones. Tell your pastor you are praying for doors to open. Read all of Colossians 4.
Encouraging and Supporting Your Pastor
14. Galatians 6:6
"But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches."
Let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. The principle is generosity. A church family can show care to its pastor in many ways: meals, encouragement, time, kindness and practical help. Ask what would be a blessing, and look for ways to share good things. Read all of Galatians 6.
15. Hebrews 6:10
"For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them."
God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the labor of love you showed toward his name. This is also true of your pastor. Their unseen hours of prayer, hospital rooms and counseling are not forgotten by God. Tell them so, and remind them that the Lord notices. Read all of Hebrews 6.
16. Hebrews 13:17
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you."
Obey your leaders, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, so they may do this with joy. A congregation that responds with openness and cooperation makes a pastor's work a joy, not a burden. Ask yourself how you can make your pastor's job lighter. Read all of Hebrews 13.
17. Proverbs 3:27
"Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it."
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. If your pastor has served you, this verse invites you to respond with good. Do not wait until retirement or a crisis. Say thanks, send a card and give a kind word now. Read all of Proverbs 3.
What a Pastor Carries
18. Acts 6:4
"But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.”"
The apostles said they would continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word. A pastor's central work is prayer and the word. Appreciate it when your pastor protects time for both, and help create a church culture where that time is respected. Read all of Acts 6.
19. 2 Corinthians 12:15
"I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?"
Paul says he will most gladly spend and be spent for the souls of the Corinthians, even if loved less in return. This is the heart of a shepherd: costly, sacrificial love. Many pastors give far more than they receive. Let your appreciation show that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed. Read all of 2 Corinthians 12.
20. 1 Timothy 4:15-16
"Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you."
Be diligent in these things, give yourself wholly to them, pay attention to yourself and your teaching, and you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Pastors carry the responsibility of care for their own hearts as well as the flock. Pray that yours will keep close to Christ. Read all of 1 Timothy 4.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Bible verse for Pastor Appreciation Month?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 is a favorite, asking believers to respect and honor those who labor among them in love. 1 Timothy 5:17 and Hebrews 13:7 also fit a card or a note of thanks.
How can I honor my pastor biblically?
Scripture suggests honoring your pastor with respect (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13), prayer (Ephesians 6:18-19), encouragement and a generous spirit (Galatians 6:6). A handwritten note and a promise to pray are meaningful ways to start.
What should I write in a pastor appreciation card?
Include a short verse, such as Hebrews 6:10, and add a specific thank-you: a sermon that helped you, a visit that mattered, or a way your pastor encouraged your family. Specific words are remembered long after the card is read.