Not long ago, I spoke with a pastor who shared how he sometimes feels unappreciated. He told me about watching other pastors receive encouragement in the shape of gifts, public recognition, or special mention during Pastor Appreciation Month, while his own phone stayed silent. He laughed it off. But beneath his words was a quiet ache. Some pastors, he admitted, even end up guilt-tripping their congregations into giving them something as a way of saying, “Thank you for the job well done.”
Maybe this month feels quiet.
That conversation stayed with me, because I know many faithful men feel the same way but never say it aloud. October is known by many as Pastor Appreciation Month. Across the world, some churches take time to express love and gratitude to their pastors—through gifts, messages, or special services.
But maybe for you, dear brother, this month feels quiet. No card or text message. No handshake that says, “We see your labour.” You prepare sermons faithfully, visit the sick and pray for your flock. Yet there is silence. If that is your experience as a pastor, this encouragement is for you.
1. The Lord Sees What Others Miss
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
That verse is worth reading again. Slowly.
You are seen by the One whose ‘well done’ truly matters.
God doesn’t forget. Your service—even when unseen by people—is fully seen by him. The Lord’s eyes aren’t blind to the hours spent in prayer; the tears shed in counselling; the patience shown in conflict; or the burden carried in silence. Many pastors serve in small or struggling congregations. You may not receive the recognition others do. But you are seen by the One whose “well done” truly matters.
Brother, the Lord Jesus sees—and he smiles.
2. Remember Who You Serve
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward” (Colossians 3:23–24).
Christ knows what it is to pour out love and receive little in return.
You were never called to serve for the approval of men, but unto the glory of Christ. The applause of heaven is worth infinitely more than the applause of a congregation. Yes, it is right when churches express gratitude. Scripture calls believers to “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:13). But when that doesn’t happen, we do not lose heart. We serve the Chief Shepherd who himself was despised, rejected, and misunderstood.
He knows what it is to pour out love and receive little in return.
3. Christ Himself Is Your Portion
When your ministry feels unnoticed, remember this: you already have the greatest treasure. The Lord himself is your portion (Lamentations 3:24). He is not only your message; he is your reward. He is not only your Saviour; he is your satisfaction. The same grace you preach to weary sinners is the grace that now strengthens your heart. When you stand alone, Christ stands with you.
You may not have public appreciation, but you have a private communion that no one can take away.
4. Keep Sowing—The Harvest Is Certain
“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). The fruits of pastoral labour often ripen slowly. A word preached today may bear fruit ten years from now. A prayer whispered in pain may bring life to a soul you will never meet on earth. The Lord of the harvest is faithful. Every seed sown in love will bear fruit in his time.
5. The Example of the Chief Shepherd
Our Lord Jesus was the perfect Shepherd. Yet he was not appreciated by those he served. He was often criticised, misunderstood, and finally crucified by the very ones he came to save. But through that suffering came redemption. This can be an encouragement for pastors.
Your unnoticed labour may be used in hidden ways.
Your unnoticed labour may likewise be used by God in hidden ways. Sometimes the quiet seasons of ministry—those no one applauds—are the very means by which God shapes your soul into the likeness of Christ.
6. A Word to Rest Your Heart
Take heart, dear brother. You are not forgotten by heaven. The Lord knows your name, your labour, your tears, and your faithful perseverance. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, “you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4). That day is coming soon. Keep preaching and praying. Keep loving your people. Even if no one thanks you this month, know this: Christ himself will thank you forever.
You are not forgotten by heaven.
“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
