Your pastors, especially the main teaching pastor in your church, are charged with proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ in order to bring to light God’s eternal plan of salvation. Preaching the eternal truth of God’s word is not part of his job, it’s the crux of it, and our lives are dependent upon it. Your pastors’ commitment to sound preaching is one of the most important factors in your spiritual growth.

Stop and Consider

When was the last time you thanked God for your pastors? If it’s been awhile, perhaps you underestimate their value. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

We tend to be grateful for those who better our lives: doctors who detect illnesses, caregivers who alleviate our sufferings, and emergency personnel who rescue us. Your pastors guard something far more valuable than your physical health. God has entrusted them with the precious task of caring for your soul. This profound mandate belongs to your pastors and only to them.

Consider how they fulfill that mandate.

1. Your Pastors Grow You in Maturity

In Ephesians 4:11–14, Paul tells us that the risen Christ gave his church the gift of shepherd-teachers “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” so that the whole church grows into Christlike maturity. Your pastors are Christ’s gift to his church, given to mature your knowledge of Christ, ensure your stability against false doctrines, and enable your unity with fellow believers to promote the gospel. Your spiritual welfare relies on their guidance. By their teaching and through their example, you become more like Christ. Not only is that a weighty responsibility for them, but it’s an incredible gift for you. Pastors who take that mandate seriously are priceless.

2. Your Pastors Preach God’s Word Faithfully

In Jeremiah 3:15 God promised his people: “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Faithful pastors are a fulfillment of that promise. Salvation comes through the verbal proclamation of the gospel (1 Cor. 1:21).

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