A Members Responsibility toward their Pastor (I Thess 5:12-13)

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by

Robert Piña
in

Introduction: On April 22, 2026, I taught a lesson regarding the Duties of a Pastor, in other words, the relationship between the Pastor and the local church members. I’ll briefly go through those points and then speak to you about the relationship between the local church and it’s Pastor. 

The Local Church Should:

1. Support Their Pastor– I Corinthians 9:11-14 God’s people have the responsibility to provide for their pastor through the tithes and freewill offerings. Financially, God is taking care of me, however the church needs to get used to supporting their pastor. There must be some “skin” in the game. Support does not mean manipulation- “since we pay you we control you.” 

  • God has ordained, that is established, appointed, or instituted. 
  • I Timothy 5:17-18 “For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.” 

2. Be In Unity with Their Pastor– Ephesians 4:3 “Endevouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. If someone is speaking bad about you, I will immediately put a stop to it and let them know that you are my friend and won’t speak bad of you or about you. Gossip destroys churches. Bitterness divides churches. Pride weakens churches. 

3. Thank God For their Pastor– Ephesians 4:8&11 “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on hight, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto me”. And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelist; and some, pastors and teachers”. 

  • The Pastor feeds with knowledge and understanding- Jeremiah 3:15 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding”. 
  • The Pastor helps with physical and spiritual needs. (Moving, marriage instruction, funeral arrangements, special services, teaching and preaching). 

4. Serve Along their Pastor– Ephesians 4:11-12 this is not a “one man show”. My responsibility is to equip you so that you can get involved and serve. 

  • For the perfecting of the saints, work of the ministry, edifying of the body of Christ. 
  • Part of that is being in church when the doors are open. Hebrews 10:25 and Acts 2:42 the early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”. 

5. Respect and Love Their Pastor– I Thessalonians 5:12-13.

  • The Pastor must be respected because of the office that he holds. Just like the president of the United States holds an office and must respected regardless of what you think of him personally. (Mr. President, Mr. Congressman, Senator, Officer, Sergeant, etc. 
  • The Pastor must be loved- You tell me that you love me and you even show it, thank you! Esteem them very highly- to set a high value on them, to have great regard, 

6. Pray for Their Pastor- 1 Thessalonians 5:25 “Brethren, pray for us”. You should be faithfully praying for your pastor.  Pray for his walk with God. Pray for his Marriage and children. Pray to have wisdom and courage. Pray for God’s vision and make good decisions. A praying church is powerful church. 

7. Honor Their Pastor– I Timothy 5:17 I labor in word and doctrine. 

  • To esteem him, respect, treat well, and speak well of him to others. 
  • The Pastor prepares for messages, thats hard work. Pastor knocks on doors, counsels with people, conducts weddings and funerals. The ministry is full of difficult decisions, great responsibility, and discouragement. 
  • The pastor needs support not complaints. A kind word, a handwritten letter, testimony of how God has helped you through the teaching/preaching. 

8. Follow Their Pastor’s Example– Hebrews 13:7. I am not THE example but I am an example worth following, by the grace of God. 

  • I Peter 5:3 speaking to the Elders, the Bible says to be “ensemples to the flock”. Paul said “Be ye follower of me, even as I also am of Christ”. 

9. Obey and Submit to the Pastor– Hebrews 13:17 The Pastor watches for your soul and must give account to God. 

  • This is not blind obedience. My authority comes from the Bible. As far as what car, house, job, you should have, thats between you and God. 
  • Wives submit to their husbands. Students submit to their teachers. Employees submit to their employers. Enlisted men submit to officers in the military. People submit to the local, state, and federal government. The local church submits to their pastor. A submissive church is a blessed church. 

Conclusion: These are the things that church members should do regarding their Pastor.