Pastors and ministry staff spend their lives pouring into others—counseling through difficulties, celebrating milestones, caring for our needs at church and faithfully teaching the Word. As Pastor Appreciation Month draws to a close, pause to consider: How does our stewardship encourage and support those who give so much to us?

Stewardship certainly means funding outreach and even keeping the lights on, but true biblical stewardship also includes caring for the ones who shepherd and bless us.

As 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 reminds us, stewardship includes honoring and caring for those who work hard among us: “Esteem them highly in love because of their work.”

Stewarding church resources wisely ensures our pastoral team receives the rest, encouragement, and tangible support they need to serve with joy rather than burnout. This is an investment in the health of our entire church family. When our leaders feel supported, energized, and sustained, the whole church benefits.

Giving with joyful hearts strengthens our ministries, impacts lives, and supports the leaders who faithfully shepherd us each day. Take a moment to pray for your pastors and ministry staff, thanking God for their service and asking how He might use your generosity to encourage and bless those who serve.

Turn gratitude into active stewardship and support:

• Express Gratitude: Send a heartfelt note or Scripture to acknowledge and recognize pastors.
• Support Generously: Give faithfully to ensure the church can provide adequate rest, compensation, and resources for the ministry team.
• Pray Continuously: Cover leaders and their families in daily prayer.
• Give Creatively: Give the type of gift that renews them – a sporting event, concert tickets, a fishing retreat, child care and dinner out with their spouse, a Sunday off where a speaker or elder preaches.