October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we want to acknowledge that our pastors are reflections of Jesus Christ.
By Audie Santibanez, Pastor and National Director, Philippines
We want to take time to share our appreciation for our pastors. Thank you for all you do that we see, and thank you for all you do that we don’t see. God gave you to us to be a GCI pastor and for that we are so grateful.
Pastors, you embody a unique reflection of Jesus Christ, the chief shepherd, and the source of all pastoral care.
In Jesus’ earthly ministry he dignified his disciples, sending them out as his under-shepherds to continue the work of caring for his flock. Similarly, every pastor, whether serving in the formal office of ordained ministry, or gifted with a pastoral calling without the office, is granted dignity by Jesus himself.
Jesus honors our pastors’ faithfulness, standing with them in sermons preached, equipping provided, prayers offered, and moments of comfort offered for healing. Jesus also knows pastor’s struggles and joys, their burdens and blessings, and he walks alongside them in every part of their journey. As under-shepherds, they reflect the Chief Shepherd’s heart, leading not with pride or power, but with humility, care, and love. They remind us that pastoral ministry is not about control but about service, modelled after the example of Christ.
When Jesus ascended, he intended to leave behind a community with a structure and form of good leadership, a community with a ministry shaped on the pattern of his own. While all are called to be disciples and to engage in a ministry of witness to him, some were given special responsibilities and a special commission of pastoral care over his flock.
Just as when the Father sent the Son, the Father himself was at work in his Son’s ministry and so was the Holy Spirit — all were present and active in Christ’s ministry. Christ didn’t act separately. In the same way, the church’s ministry isn’t separate from Christ. Thus, pastoral ministry is Christ’s own personal ministry within the place of the church.
Thank you again, pastors, for your sacred and humble presence and service in the lives of our congregations much like Jesus. Thank you very much for your willing submission to join Jesus in serving the body of Christ. May you find joy and fulfilment as the under-shepherds God has called you to be.
