So much to do, so little time …

A story is told about a pastor who never prepared his sermon during the week, so on Sunday morning he’d sit on the platform while the church was singing and would desperately pray, “Lord, give me your message, Lord give me your message!” One Sunday, while desperately praying for God’s message, he heard the Lord say, “Ralph, here’s my message. You’re lazy!”

Of all the fellow ministers I’ve known, only on a rare occasion would I come across one who didn’t study and pray diligently in sermon preparation each week. In fact, one of the most persistent complaints among pastors is consistently not having enough time for study and sermon preparation. That’s often because of all the other things making demands on their time as the pastor of a local church. These faithful men of the Word are far from lazy!

The average church member might picture a pastor’s week as a steady rhythm of prayer, sermon preparation, and Sunday preaching. But any seasoned pastor knows those moments of study are often squeezed between hospital visits, counseling sessions, leadership meetings, building repairs, financial concerns, and countless unseen burdens. They are teachers, counselors, administrators, visionaries, comforters, and often even janitors — all while trying to remain husbands, parents, and friends.

Few people realize that many pastors spend their Monday mornings not recovering from Sunday’s work, but already planning next week’s message, checking on the sick, answering calls, and tending to spiritual fires that never make it into the bulletin. The Apostle Paul knew something of this weight when he wrote, “Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches,” 2 Corinthians 11:28. That “daily burden” still rests on the hearts of those who shepherd today.

There is a deep emotional and spiritual toll that comes with loving people through their best and worst days. Pastors are often the first called when tragedy strikes and the last to rest when conflict brews. They stand beside gravesides, pray in hospital corridors, and listen to stories few others ever hear. They pour themselves out, trusting the Lord to refill what the ministry drains.

Paul encouraged the Galatians, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1–2). Most pastors live that truth daily, lifting others while carrying their own unseen burdens.

During Pastor Appreciation Month (which is observed every October), it’s worth pausing to remember that ministry is not a profession one clocks out of; it’s a calling that follows a man of God into every waking moment. Pastors need encouragement as much as anyone else. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit” Hebrews 13:17.

If your pastor’s sermons have strengthened your faith, if their prayers have lifted you in dark moments, or if their counsel has steadied your path, let them know. Don’t be lazy about expressing your personal appreciation for their service to God, His church, and to YOU.

Scotty