1. A Worker is Worthy of His Wages
Paying a pastor frees him to provide for his family (which he must do) and to do gospel ministry (pray, preach, teach, mentor, counsel). I know that most churches cannot afford to pay a pastor what he is worth. Pastors do not accept their calling because of finances. However, there are ways to think outside the box for ways to honor him and his family such as year-end bonuses, extra vacation, inviting his family out to dinner away, having a gasoline or clothing or phone or book allowance, and many more things. Be creative!
2.
Don't Treat Your Pastor Like a Hireling
If you can pay your pastor, do not lord it over him and treat him as a slave.You may pay him but he does not work for you. You pay him with God's money to do God's work. He is accountable not ultimately to you but to God for his work.
3.
Understand What Your Pastor Goes Through
Your pastor makes lots of tough decisions (and often have to do so quickly). When you hurt, he does. When you rejoice, he does. When you sin, he is grieved. When you grow in grace and faith, he celebrates what God is doing. He does this in addition to the emotional, financial, and personal difficulties that him and his family go through as well. Encourage his participation in other groups of pastors who can uniquely understand what it is like to pastor a church.
4.
Pastors Get Discouraged; Don't Participate in Discouraging Him
Your pastor gets discouraged when you don't show up (to worship/bible study/men's group). Your pastor gets discouraged when he casts a vision that God has laid upon him and no one follows. Your pastor gets discouraged when he spends hours each week in preparation for a sermon and people play on their phones during church. So, say thank you. Tell him you enjoyed his sermon (and what exactly you enjoyed about his sermon) and tell him on a day other than your day of worship (i.e. Monday or Tuesday).
5.
People Who Visit Your Church See How You Treat Your Pastor
If you want to be known as a loving church, then you will love the shepherd of your church. People notice how you treat your pastor when they visit. In churches where they have lots of pastoral changes, the problem is probably not the pastors.
6. Your Pastor Wasn't Always a Pastor
While your pastor does enjoy reading the Bible and listening to other people's sermons, he enjoys some of the same things you do too (TV, books, sports, etc.) Know if he is an introvert or extrovert. Know your pastor's hobbies and favorites. Consider this when you think about a gift for him. By the way, other people besides the pastor can pray at meals.
7.
Share Your Pastor
Allow your pastor to serve in the community (school board, neighborhood watch, coach, etc.). Allow him to teach, preach, and pray in other churches when invited. Your pastor, your church, and your community will be blessed if you do.
8.
Don't Make Your Pastor Choose Between His Family and the Church
If you do make him choose, you will be disappointed because he will pick his family every time (and he should). Spiritual leaders in the church and in the homes of church members need to fill the gap. Your pastor loves you so it is easy to abuse him by asking him to do every little thing. Guard him from doing too much and do your best to take care of his wife and family.
9.
Watch Out For and Encourage Your Pastor's Spiritual Growth
As much as your pastor grows spiritually is as much as the church will grow. Let him go to conferences. Encourage him to take retreats. Allow him time off to listen to others preach. Pray for him often and regularly. Follow Him as He follows Christ.
10.
Lift Up Your Pastor's Tired Hands
When your pastor asks you to do something say yes. When you say yes, do it. When you don't do what you say you will do, guess who has to do it most of the time (that's right, your pastor). Lift up his tired hands by showing up (and on time) and giving to the church (both your money and time). Cooperate with him and God in the ministry of the church by having a teachable spirit and repenting of sin. Assume that your pastor has your best interests at heart.
11.
Honor Your Pastor
Address your pastor in the manner he prefers to be addressed but err on the side of formality. Teach your children to respect the pastor as an authority through your example. If you participate in the service, practice your part. If you lead a ministry, be prepared to serve.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of how you should appreciate your pastor. Just remember that your pastor is a gift of God to your church. Treat His gift and His church that your pastor leads with respect.
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