Charles Finney, a Presbyterian minister and a leader in the 2nd Great Awakening in America, said this,

“If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the public press lacks moral discernment, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the world loses its interest in Christianity, the pulpit is responsible for it. If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it.”

I record these words here not to place judgment upon our nation’s churches, but rather to underscore the vital role the pastor plays in the spirituality of our collective people. If the church is the pillar and support of the truth, which it is, then the pastor is its spokesman. We cannot but be thankful, then, for the man or woman of God who–without concern for what man thinks, but for what God says–boldly speaks the truth of God’s word. This being said, we cannot underestimate the value of the pastor in the shaping of the hearts of men.

I believe it is an absolutely true biblical view that the church of Jesus Christ is to be the primary culture shaper out of all the influences present in the world today. Sadly, less than 50% of Americans have confidence in the church as an institution–42% to be exact, with this being down from 57% just twenty years ago (Barna, 2016). If Finney is right, the decline in both the church and the nation is directly attributable to the absence of leadership from the America’s pulpits.

It is my personal belief that pastors–not politicians or celebrities from the sporting or TV/movie world–are to be the leaders of our country. History tells us they were at one point; they are obviously not at this present time.

The Bible informs us that pastors are gifts from God. Paul writes in Ephesians chapter 4 that, “When (Christ) ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men” (verse 8). He goes on to explain that, “He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers” (verse 11). So then, the idea that pastors are mere hirelings that do the bidding of church boards or congregations is not a biblical one. Pastors, along with the other ministry gifts Paul lists, are responsible to teach people what God says so they can be responsible, mature, and productive contributors to both church and society.

That this role has been demeaned, minimized, and even ridiculed in American culture cannot be disputed.

This is all the more reason to hold a proper view of those men and women whom God has placed in the office of pastor. So much of their success–or failure–hinges on the value people place on them. It is a truth that if they are able to succeed in their calling, the church as well as the nation will benefit greatly.

The Bible has much to say about such leaders. Paul, writing to Timothy, says, “The elders (pastors) who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17). Hebrews 13:17 instructs us to “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

Not many of us understand the weight of responsibility that rests upon our pastors. Not only will they give an account for themselves on Judgment Day, but for those under their care. Theirs is a charge that no man nor woman in any position of authority understands or equals–not even the President of the United States. The President may be responsible for the security and stability of the nation, but the pastor for the soul of the nation.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and the second Sunday (October 8), is Pastor Appreciation Day. This month, let’s not only pause to thank our pastors for the work they do, but to honor them in some tangible way. Regarding the latter, we can begin by following their example and obeying their teachings. And, if we are able, give them a gift. It is the least we can do given most are under paid and seldom recognized. In going forward, we will not only benefit ourselves and our families by esteeming them properly, but our nation and its institutions.