APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERS

*MY MESSAGE FOR DISTRICT OFFICERS APPRECIATION DAY*
_(to be read in all Assemblies)_

APPRECIATING YOUR LEADERS

Texts: Jeremiah 3:15; 1Thessalonians 5:12-13

Today is a special day in our great and noble church. It's a day set aside to honour all lay leaders of the church. They are leaders who don't receive any salaries for the work they do in the kingdom business.
We attribute the great achievements of the church to the hardwork of these leaders for their selfless dedication.

There is something quite revealing about today's text. God reveals through His prophet, Jeremiah that He is the one who gives shepherd's to His Church, and the purpose is for them to impart knowledge and understanding to church members. You see, the flock of God needs divine knowledge to be successful in all the they do. They also need understanding in order to be able to worship the in the right way, in order not to be deceived by Satan.

These and all other good reasons we shall see below shows the importance of church leaders. Got this reason, God expects us to take good care of our leaders and provide them with maximum support. We should take note of the following statements about our leaders and reflect on how we live and work with them.

1. Your leader is a gift from God. A gift you don't appreciate will eventually be abused. Jeremiah 3:15-16, Ephesians 4:11
"Jeremiah 3:15
‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding"

2. Your leaders labour in prayer, word and in doctrine in order to establish you. Your appreciation empowers your leaders to Labour more in order to feed you better. 2 Timothy 5:17, 1 Thes. 5:12-13
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves"

3. Your leader watches over your soul as the one who must give account of your soul.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

How do you appreciate your leaders?
1. By honouring them
2. By obeying them
3. By feeding on what they feed you with
4. By submitting to them
5. By praying for them constantly.
6. By sharing your material substances with them. Gal. 6:7, Philippians 4:15-19. Give to the necessities of your pastor.
7. By shouldering their burdens with them through service and encouragement. By being on church often and partaking in church activities. By being on their side. By being loyal, committed and faithful to them.

The benefits of appreciating your leaders

1. You receive their reward. Matthew 10:40-41
2. They are empowered to serve you better and with happiness.
3. It is profitable to you
4. You shall receive supplies for all your needs. Philippians 4:19
5. You reap bountiful harvest in due season. Gal. 6:6-10
May the Lord give you grace to appreciate your leaders at all times. As they share with you the spiritual things, don't hesitate to share with them your material substances. Joyfully and delightfully give to sustain and motivate your leaders.

On behalf of my family, District Executive and on my own behalf, I salute all the gallant church officers and leaders. God bless you all for your sacrificial service. May the Lord Himself reward your efforts and grant you all the desires of your heart.
Have a blessed day.

Ps William Boachie-Ansah