Scripture tells churches to honor faithful leaders: "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine" (1 Timothy 5:17). God promised "pastors according to mine heart" (Jeremiah 3:15), and Paul's words fit any thank-you card: "We are bound to thank God always for you" (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
Pastors carry more than most people see: sermons, hospital visits, funerals, counseling, late-night calls and the weight of caring for a whole congregation. In the US, October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and many churches also thank their pastors at Christmas, on the anniversary of their call or at retirement. These twelve King James verses explain why the Bible asks us to honor those who lead and teach, describe the pastor's calling, and give thank-you and blessing verses for a card or gift. For leaders in general, see leadership; for honoring others, see respect.
Honor those who lead and teach
1. 1 Timothy 5:17
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
Double honour means both respect and fair support; the next verse adds, "The labourer is worthy of his reward" (1 Timothy 5:18). Elders who labour in the word, preaching and teaching, are singled out for honour.
2. Galatians 6:6
"Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."
To communicate here means to share: those who are taught God's Word should share all good things with the one who teaches them. Encouraging words, practical help and generous giving all count. See giving.
3. Hebrews 13:7
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."
Remember the leaders who spoke God's word to you and follow their faith. A note that tells your pastor how a sermon, a visit or a prayer helped you is one of the best ways to remember them.
4. Philippians 2:29
"Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:"
Paul asked the church to welcome Epaphroditus with all gladness and hold such in reputation, because he had risked his health in serving (Philippians 2:30). Honour those who wear themselves out for the church.
A pastor's calling
5. Jeremiah 3:15
"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."
God promised shepherds after His own heart who would feed His people with knowledge and understanding. A faithful pastor is a gift from God to a church, not a hired performer.
6. Acts 20:28
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
Paul told the Ephesian elders to take heed to themselves first, then to the flock. Pastors care for a church bought with Christ's own blood, which is why the work is weighty. Encourage your pastor to rest and look after their own soul too.
7. 2 Corinthians 4:5
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."
We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord. Good pastors point beyond themselves. True appreciation thanks the servant while giving the glory to the Master.
8. 1 Peter 5:4
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
Peter, himself an elder (1 Peter 5:1), reminds pastors that when the chief Shepherd appears they will receive a crown of glory that does not fade. Earthly thanks are small next to that reward, but they still encourage tired servants.
Thank, support and pray for your pastor
9. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;"
Paul thanked God because the church's faith was growing and its love was abounding. Telling your pastor how you have grown in faith is one of the most meaningful thank-you gifts you can give.
10. Philemon 1:7
"For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."
Paul told Philemon that the hearts of the saints were refreshed by him. A card with this verse can say to your pastor: your care has refreshed our hearts.
11. Exodus 17:12
"But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun."
When Moses' hands grew heavy during the battle, Aaron and Hur held them up until the going down of the sun. Every pastor needs people who hold up their hands with prayer, help and friendship. See community.
12. Romans 15:30
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;"
Paul asked believers to strive together with him in their prayers. Often the most valuable appreciation gift is a promise to pray for your pastor regularly. See praying for others.
A short prayer
Lord, thank You for our pastor and for every leader who teaches Your Word and cares for Your people. Strengthen them when they are tired, protect their families, and give them wisdom for every sermon and every hard conversation. Refresh their hearts. Help our church to honor them, to hold up their hands and to pray for them faithfully. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
Print our free Bible verse bookmarks to tuck into a pastor appreciation card · Give a study and prayer gift with the Starter Bundle · Pray for your pastor for 30 days with the 30-Day Prayer Journal
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Bible verse for a pastor appreciation card?
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" (Philippians 1:3) is the classic. Others include "We are bound to thank God always for you" (2 Thessalonians 1:3) and "the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee" (Philemon 1:7), which you can explain as your love has refreshed our hearts. Add one specific memory, such as a sermon, a visit or a prayer that helped you.
When is Pastor Appreciation Month?
In the US it is usually observed in October, and many churches mark Pastor Appreciation Day on the second Sunday of October. Churches also thank their pastors at Christmas, at Easter or on the anniversary of their call. The Bible sets no date; it simply asks believers "to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake" (1 Thessalonians 5:13).
What are good pastor appreciation gift ideas?
A handwritten note with a verse, a meal or gift card, a paid day off or retreat, a good book, a Bible study journal, or a promise from your class or small group to pray for them every week. Consider a gift from the whole congregation through the church leadership, and remember the pastor's family. Most pastors say the words matter most.
How should we pray for our pastor?
Pray for their walk with God, for wisdom and courage to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2), for protection from discouragement and temptation, for their marriage and family, and for rest. Paul asked, "pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course" (2 Thessalonians 3:1). Let your pastor know you are praying; that alone is encouraging.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about leadership · Bible verses about respect · Bible verses about teachers · Bible verses about praying for others · Bible verses about being thankful · Bible verses about community · Bible verses about nurses · Bible verses for Father's Day
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