Honoring the Shepherd’s Heart
written by: Tim Miller | October 1, 2026 | Pastors, Leadership
Through the prophet Jeremiah, God spoke these words, "And I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15 ESV)
My grandfather raised sheep. He would keep some on the farm where my family had been living, and a portion of my memory bank is reminded of how often the sheep would get out of the pasture. If you don’t know, I will tell you that a shepherd's work is never done when it comes to caring for his sheep. Trust me, it’s nothing like the movie, The Sheep Detectives.
That being said, your pastor (if you have one, and you should!) as your shepherd, his work is rarely done in the spotlight. Much of a pastor's calling happens in the quiet moments: late-night prayers for a hurting family, hours spent studying God’s Word to prepare a Sunday message, walking alongside people through deep grief and joyful milestones, discipling new believers, visiting shut-ins and those in the hospital, and at the same time navigating his own life and family.
It is easy to view a pastor simply as a speaker or a program director. Yet, scripture calls them shepherds. That is because they carry a heavy spiritual weight as they watch over the souls of the congregation. I can tell you that the weight that they carry for others is, at times, very heavy; especially when there is nothing that they can do about the situation. They feel the same human vulnerabilities, pressures, and fatigue as anyone else. Yet, they continually point us back to Jesus Christ.
This month is the annual Pastor Appreciation Month, where people are encouraged to honor their own and all pastors. Maybe a better way of viewing this month is that you are encouraged to not just praise a person; but, instead, to thank God for the gift of godly leadership. You could give a kind word, a supportive note, or a prayer lifted on their behalf that can refresh a weary spirit.
Here are just a few ways that you can honor your pastor this month:
Pray specifically: Commit to praying for your pastor's spiritual strength, physical rest, and family.
Write an encouraging note: Share a specific way their preaching or counsel has helped your faith grow.
Support their rest: Give a small gift card for a meal or a book to help them enjoy a moment of Sabbath rest. You can also, honor them by respecting their time of rest. Trust me, they will be grateful!
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A Prayer of Blessing:
“Father, thank You for the faithful pastors You have placed in our lives. Thank You for their willingness to serve, to teach Your truth, and to love Your people with patience. Refresh their hearts, strengthen their families, and fill them with Your peace today. May we be a blessing to them just as they have been a blessing to us. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
...Thank you so much, Pastor Tim, for that beautiful and timely reminder!
It’s always a joy to hear from you each year!I hope you will take advantage of these few ways to honor your pastor this month.
If you feel so inclined, please thank Pastor Tim in the comments below for yet again, another wonderful post.
Meet Tim Miller:Tim currently leads CFC Mackinac, a vibrant and flourishing church gathered within the walls of an abandoned Family Dollar store. He is the first-ever Merahgold guest. He enjoys barbering (over 47 years of experience), playing guitar, and spending time with family and his dog, Sadie. Website: https://www.cfcmi.com/
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It’s that time of the year! Join us as we honor the heart behind the man of God.