Honor Church Leaders

June 23rd, 2026
by Lance Waldie

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 But we ask of you, brothers, that you know those who labor among you, and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another (Legacy Standard Bible).

Paul traveled extensively preaching the cross of Christ, planting churches (cf. Acts 13-28), and installing leaders—the elders and deacons who care for both the spiritual and physical needs of the church. Although the pool from which to select church leaders would have only included new believers since Christianity was new, Paul’s procedure was to allow those with spiritual ability to rise up within the churches through service and wisdom and allow the church members to recognize them as leaders. If they had the character credentials to serve in the official offices of either elder or deacon in the church (cf. 1 Tim. 3:1-8; Titus 1:5-9), they became its leaders.

Paul lists three qualities in v. 12 of qualified church leaders. First, they “labor” (Gr. kopiaō) in the church, a term that means “hard toil; struggle.” This would entail not only their work of study to teach the Scriptures but also prayer for church members, shouldering their burdens and aiding in their physical needs. Second, they “lead” (Gr. proistēmi) in the sense of guiding and caring for God’s people within the church. Paul uses this term elsewhere for looking after one’s own household (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 12), promoting good works (Titus 3:8, 14), and for the elders in the church who were to be paid for their exceptional leadership abilities through preaching and teaching (cf. 1 Tim. 5:17). Third, they “admonish” (Gr. noutheteō), a term that carries both the idea of positive instruction and negative confrontation for unruly behavior.

Notably, Paul “asks” Christians in the Thessalonian church to, first, “know” (Gr. oida) their leaders. English versions translate oida differently in this context: appreciate (NASB), respect (ESV), acknowledge (NET), honor (NLT). Thus, to simply “know” one’s leaders in the church is not the end-all but perhaps “acknowledging” them is—respecting their God-given authority. No one is to associate themselves with a church where they cannot honor and appreciate its leaders.

Second, Paul asks that church members “regard” (Gr. hēgeomai) their leaders “highly in love.” To “regard” is to “esteem; value.” But to esteem someone “highly”—literally beyond all measure—“in love” means that church leaders are to be held “in the highest regard” (NIV), with unreserved support, and in a spirit of unconditional “love” (Gr. agape). Tall order!

Now the latter half of v. 13, “Live in peace with one another,” is taken out of context, the point is missed. Yes, living in peace with all of God’s people is commanded (cf. Heb. 13:1), but this context concerns church members and leaders who are to “live in peace with one another.” It is not always easy to submit to church leaders, especially when there is disagreement over menial matters. It is the work and selfless service of church leaders that is to garner the respect and love from those whom they serve. Their leadership is not one of authoritarian rule but of service, the ministry of caring, leading, teaching, and correcting God’s people. After all, their labor of love towards Christ’s sheep is not something they undertake for their own advantage or prestige but for the glory of God and the good of His people. If church members and leaders can be faithful to their tasks and respect one another, they will by default “live in peace with each other” (v. 13).

Food For Thought
It can take effort for church leaders and church members to appreciate each another. Since pastors typically do all the talking, teaching, and leading in the church, folks can at times disagree with them and even get tired of their leadership. Conversely, pastors can grow weary of church members. Hearing regular complaints without much encouragement can discourage anyone. Hence, it can take effort to appreciate each other. But God “asks” that we do just that.