Growing up as a preacher's kid, I often remember hearing my father use the term "under-shepherd" to describe one of the aspects of being a pastor. As part of my thought process during Pastor Appreciation month, I asked my father about the basis for this term since it doesn’t seem to appear explicitly in Scripture, while the concept certainly exists.

The clearest reference appears in 1 Peter, at a point where Peter is speaking to elders, in general, about their service and about serving God willingly:

...shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:2-4

Based on the verb and noun forms of the word translated "shepherd", here we see that elders are to feed and pastor the "flock of God" under the guidance and authority of Jesus Christ as the "Chief Shepherd."

Clear and sobering guidance is given to us as the congregation concerning our relationship with our leadership in Hebrews 13:17 in the context of God-pleasing sacrifices:

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

Furthermore, as a simple matter of Christian conduct, we as the body of Christ are told to

...appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

And finally, from the Gospel of John,

There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. John 1:6-8

In the context of this subject, there are 3 key aspects of these last verses. First of all, John the Baptist was a man; nothing more, nothing less. But he was a man "sent from God"...a clear reference to the Source of his calling, his work, and his ministry. And thirdly, he was a "witness, to testify about the Light" of Jesus Christ.

Every church should ask itself if their pastor and his ministry are consistent with the constraints, expectations, and requirements of these Scripture references as the under-shepherd of the local congregation under the authority of the Chief Shepherd. If so, then "pastor appreciation" should not be something we are reminded to do one month per year. That appreciation should be a natural ongoing expression flowing from the local body of Christ, not for the glory of the pastor or for the congregation, but rather to the glory of the Head of the body, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.