What Is a Good Scripture to Read for a Pastor’s Anniversary?
The Bible contains many passages appropriate for celebrating a pastor’s anniversary at his church, including I Timothy 5:17, I Thessalonians 1:2-3 and I Thessalonians 5:12-13. While these verses focus especially on the blessings that pastors are to their congregation, it is also appropriate to read verses speaking of a pastor’s call or verses that praise God for providing leaders and role models. These verses can be incorporated into a worship service in a simple way, or they can be part of a larger separate celebration.
Not all churches celebrate their pastors’ anniversaries with the congregation on a yearly basis, but when a milestone anniversary rolls around, expressing appreciation to the pastor and thanking God for him can be a unifying moment for both pastor and church. It is often sadly rare that a congregation thanks a pastor for his service, so spending a few moments to read scripture, express gratitude and pray for the pastor are likely to be healing and encouraging.
Other Bible passages that speak to a pastor’s role in a church include Ephesians 4:11-12, II Timothy 4:2 and I Corinthians 9:14. Bible passages that speak about the relationship between the pastor and the congregation include Hebrews 13:17, Romans 15:15-16, Jeremiah 3:15 and Ephesians 2:19-20.
