Recap GOAC Pastor Appreciation Service - SCDC Chairman, Elder Aaron Grigsby 10.26.25

I Choose to Honor

Scripture References

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Exodus 17:8-13; Ephesians 4:11-12; Mark 6:4; 1 Peter 4:8; Psalm 37:23; Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 1:6; Proverbs 14:12; Isaiah 40:29

Introduction

Elder Grigsby opens with heartfelt gratitude for faithful pastors, noting how easy it is—especially in an age of social media scandals—to forget the gift of leaders who walk in integrity and preach uncompromised truth. Today’s gathering is an intentional act of honoring those shepherds.

Key Points / Exposition

1. God’s Divine Order for the Church

•Ephesians 4:11-12 reveals a heaven-designed system: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given “for the perfecting of the saints … work of ministry … edifying of the body.”

•Pastors are “after God’s own heart,” divinely assigned to cultivate, shape, and mature believers.

•When believers recognize this order, growth accelerates and confusion diminishes.

2. The Danger of Familiarity and Routine

•Mark 6:4 shows that over-familiarity breeds dishonor; miracles are stifled where leaders are treated as “common.”

•Routine can numb the soul: weekly sermons become background noise instead of life-altering bread.

•Illustration: a child who only prized her mother’s cooking after moving out—gratitude often dawns after loss.

3. Esteem “Very Highly in Love”

•1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 calls believers to urgent action (“we beseech you”) to esteem leaders.

•Greek nuance: “know” (oida) = spiritual perception & discernment, not casual acquaintance.

•“Esteem” = assign weight/value; love is the lens that keeps honor vibrant and offenses small.

•1 Peter 4:8’s “fervent” love implies stretching; consistent practice makes honoring easier over time.

4. Knowing the Weight of Ministry Labor

•“Labor” in the text indicates strenuous, draining work akin to manual toil.

•Preaching, counseling, planning, and intercession exact a physical, emotional, and familial cost.

•Congregational recognition fuels encouragement; ignorance breeds ingratitude.

5. The Exodus Pattern: Holding Up the Leader’s Hands

•Exodus 17:8-13: Moses (rod), Joshua (sword), Aaron & Hur (support) depict corporate victory.

• Moses’ raised hands = spiritual authority.

• When arms grew heavy, a stone (seat) and two supporters preserved momentum.

• Victory required everyone staying in their God-given lane—no one usurped another’s assignment.

•Application: leaders win when the body supplies prayer, practical help, and unified obedience.

6. Honor Unlocks Blessing

•Recognition → honor → blessing: disrespect of leadership blocks divine favor.

•Biblical echoes: David refused to dishonor Saul’s anointing; the principle still stands.

•Personal testimony: seasons of self-direction led to messes; God’s gift of pastors realigned destiny (Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 14:12).

7. God Renews the Weary

•Isaiah 40:29 promises strength for the faint. As the church supports its leaders, God reciprocally infuses power into the entire body.

•Illustration of the rubber ball: resilience is determined by what a thing is made of and what’s inside. Saints filled with God’s Spirit always bounce back.

Major Lessons & Revelations

•Pastoral leadership is a miracle of divine placement, not a human convenience.

•Honor is proactive, practical, and grounded in agape love.

•Unity around leadership produces supernatural victories unattainable by isolated effort.

•Dishonor hinders personal and corporate destiny; honor releases Heaven’s resources.

Practical Application

1.Speak life: verbally thank pastors regularly; don’t confine appreciation to anniversary Sundays.

2.Anticipate needs: offer childcare, meals, study materials, or financial gifts without waiting to be asked.

3.Pray intentionally: schedule weekly intercession for pastoral strength, protection, and revelation.

4.Obey promptly: act on sermons and directives without delay—delayed obedience forfeits victory.

5.Guard your heart: reject gossip and cultivate “fervent” love that stretches past offenses.

Conclusion & Call to Response

The service culminates with a charge: “Take on the assignment to esteem your leaders.” Do not wait until they are gone to voice gratitude. Hold up their hands, remain in your God-given position, and together the church will finish its work and secure the victory.

Prayer

“Father, we thank You for the privilege of glorifying You and for blessing us with pastors of integrity. Strengthen them, let Your Word remain powerful in their mouths, and receive all glory through this ministry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”