1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 — And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Pastors are amazing. I know it’s not Pastor Appreciation Month, but I’ve been writing quite a lot this week and it struck me how amazing it is that pastors write sermons every week, week in, week out. That’s like writing a decent sized book every year. And from what I hear, pastors face their reviewers every week!
It’s hard to get exact statistics but in 2011 there were about 400,000 active clergy, working between 55 and 75 hours weekly and earning an average of just over $31,000 per year. It’s not surprising that so many pastors burn out and quit every year!
Paul knew how heavy a burden was laid on Pastors. That’s why he wrote with such feeling on their behalf to the Thessalonians. “We beseech you”, he said as if to say “I ask you, with all the passion I am capable of”. And what was he asking of them?
“Know them which labor among you”. That doesn’t just mean know their names and faces, but build a foundation of appreciation by knowing what they do, and just how much the efforts must cost them.
“know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;” The pastors of Paul’s day were not likely to be supported purely by their ministry — they were self-supporting through their day jobs. Then, they had to provide leadership and direction, without a long established “play book” to fall back on. Teaching, leading and guiding. “Admonish” is a word meaning “put in mind”, “teach by words”. The pastor’s job, then as now, was tough.
Paul wanted the Thessalonians to love their pastors because of the work they did. I’m pretty sure most of the people in our church love our pastor — but I’m completely sure that most of us have no idea how much effort he has to put into teaching, leading and guiding us.
Then Paul slips one final “ask” into his pastor appreciation plea. “Be at peace among yourselves”.
The “and” is not in the original. Not just peace in the flock, but peace between the flock and the shepherd. That’s another thing that hasn’t changed much. According to pastoralcareinc.com, “#1 reason pastors leave the ministry — Church people are not willing to go the same direction and goal of the pastor. Pastors believe God wants them to go in one direction but the people are not willing to follow or change.”
So, to go back to my original point — pastors are amazing. So if it seems your Pastor is running a bit long this weekend, love him for the works sake!