ECWA Int’l Pastors Appreciation Week: A Call to Honor God’s Servants with Tangible Love, Support

By Timothy Saidu Efongha

Pastors labor tirelessly day and night, preaching the gospel, offering counsel, interceding in prayer, and shepherding God’s flock with unwavering sacrifice and love. This poignant reminder came from Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, president of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), in a heartfelt message urging members to fully engage in the 2025 International Pastors Appreciation Week.

The annual week-long teaching series, a cherished tradition to honor pastoral ministry, kicked off on September 1 and culminated on Sunday, September 7. Addressing ECWA members, Rev. Bagat emphasized the importance of active participation, calling for expressions of love, kindness, and practical support.

“I encourage you to participate actively. Show love, kindness, and tangible support to your pastors. Your prayers, words of encouragement, and acts of generosity will refresh their spirits and strengthen their hands for the work ahead,” he stated.

He described the appreciation week not as a mere event, but as “a sacred reminder to honor God’s servants who watch over our souls, as in Hebrews 13:17.” Rev. Bagat highlighted the indispensable role of church elders in sustaining pastors’ welfare, urging them to “continue standing as pillars of unity and support. Lead by example in showing respect, cooperation, and appreciation to our pastors.” He added, “When the shepherds are encouraged, the entire flock is strengthened.”

When the shepherds are encouraged, the entire flock is strengthened

Turning to the pastors themselves, Rev. Bagat commended their relentless dedication and drew assurance from 1 Corinthians 15:58, declaring, “I recommend God’s grace. The ministry is not without trials, yet we are assured that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.” He prayed that the season would reaffirm to pastors that they are “loved, valued, and honored both in heaven and on earth.” Encouraging perseverance, he quoted 1 Peter 5:2-4: “Keep pressing on faithfully, for the crown of glory awaits those who shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly.”

Pastors Appreciation Teaching: Recognizing the Humanity Behind the Calling

The week featured insightful teachings underscoring the vital role of pastors in the church and society, aimed at fostering deeper appreciation through an understanding of their God-given responsibilities. Mr. Izhi Bitrus Adamu, General Manager of Kwararafa Television (KTV), delivered a compelling session, reminding attendees that pastors are fundamentally human beings. Referencing Genesis 2:7 and 18-19, he asserted, “A pastor is first of all a living being before anything else. Despite the spiritual and professional aspects of the role of a pastor, his first and most fundamental aspect is that he’s a human being faced with human needs, emotions, and experiences.”

Who is a pastor?—focusing on identity—and What is a pastor?

Adamu’s teaching delved into the diverse character dispositions and temperaments among pastors, cautioning that these should not dictate the level of appreciation extended. He distinguished between “Who is a pastor?”—focusing on identity—and “What is a pastor?”—detailing responsibilities and functions—posing them as interactive questions to provoke reflection.

Members were encouraged to fulfill their roles through prayer, purposeful visits, and sustainable welfare improvements for their pastors, emphasizing that such actions honor the divine mandate of ministry.

Sermon on Pastors Appreciation Sunday: “Do Yourself A Favour by Sharing All Good Things With Your Pastor”

The week’s climax was the Sunday sermon, where Mr. Adamu, drawing from Galatians 6:6, titled his message “Do Yourself A Favour by Sharing All Good Things With Your Pastor.” He illustrated his points with the biblical account of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4, whose extraordinary hospitality toward Prophet Elisha unlocked divine blessings.

“Until you extend an extraordinary good gesture to men of God, you may not have your long-awaited blessings released,” Adamu explained. “Elisha the prophet would seldom stop by to eat and drink, but nothing really good happened to the woman until that faithful day when she took a step of faith to discomfort herself for the welfare of Elisha.”

This year’s pastors appreciation is better than previous years, especially in terms of the number of people that attended throughout the week

In an exclusive interview with TGNEWS shortly after the service, Pastor Idi Ishaya Isuwa, leader of the local assembly, expressed profound gratitude for the members’ efforts. “This year’s pastors appreciation is better than previous years, especially in terms of the number of people that attended throughout the week,” he said, noting the enhanced love shown to his family. Pastor Isuwa urged Christians to seize every opportunity to obey biblical instructions on honoring spiritual leaders.

Echoing this sentiment, Miss Precious Chidoks, a dedicated church member, shared how the event transformed her perspective. “I’m aware of my responsibilities to my pastor. I know that there are blessings in supporting the pastor by praying for them, visiting, and supporting them financially,” she affirmed. Chidoks called on fellow Christians to extend unwavering support to their spiritual guides.

I’m aware of my responsibilities to my pastor. I know that there are blessings in supporting the pastor by praying for them

The 2025 ECWA International Pastors Appreciation Week not only celebrated pastoral dedication but also reinforced the biblical imperative for communal support, fostering stronger church unity and spiritual growth amid ongoing societal challenges.