
By Mark Dance
I recently attended an outdoor hall of fame banquet to celebrate the induction of a close friend. As several outdoor legends received well-deserved recognition from peers and sponsors, the thought occurred to me that there is no equivalent event for pastors; at least not that I’m aware of on a national or global scale.
The longer I pondered this (it was a four-hour event), the closer I came to the conclusion I may have been wrong about the lack of awards for faithful pastors.
Earthly Rewards
Somewhere in the middle of this awards banquet, while deep in thought (and lament) about the lack of recognition for my pastor-peers, I received this jaw-dropping text:
Mark, just wanted you to know that Pastor ****’s life was saved, in a manner, due to your recent marriage conference. He said to me this morning, “I was ready for a breakdown until I talked to Mark Dance about self-care.” Mark, thank you for the many hours of travel your wife & you put in.
Jesus flat-out crashed my pity party. This note brought a simultaneous rush of guilt and gratitude, which helped me see my ministry through the eyes of my ultimate Supervisor.
Pastor, I hope you’ll catch a glimpse of how God sees you. Nothing you do escapes His notice.
My dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (CSB)
Eternal Rewards
As I pondered God’s merciful intervention, I began to recall a special banquet in heaven I had accepted the invitation to almost 40 years ago–this feast will be hosted by King Jesus.
Blessed are those invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb! Revelation 19:9 (CSB)
I don’t have all of the details of this wedding feast, but I do know the sponsor has covered the cost of the meal. The purpose of this event to honor our Savior, not the saints. However, at some point in history’s grand finale, there will a reckoning for all, as well as rewards given to God’s children for faithful service.
While we are not saved by works, we will be rewarded according to them. Scripture gives us few details about the specifics of how a believer’s works are rewarded, but there will be some unsung pastors who will be well known on the streets of gold.
When my friend Dr. Jimmy Sites was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, he made it clear to those present that his only true hero is Jesus Christ. Jimmy also said that he looked forward to one day placing whatever crown he would receive at the throne of King Jesus.
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (CSB)
Pastors, be encouraged. Your labor is not in vain. Your faithfulness is not being overlooked. Even if church members miss the opportunity to show their love and appreciation this month, Jesus will not fail to reward your faithfulness here on earth as well as in heaven.
For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints — and by continuing to serve them. Hebrews 6:10 (CSB)

Mark Dance
After serving as a pastor for 27 years, Mark Dance is now the director of pastoral wellness for GuideStone Financial Resources and is the author of Start to Finish.
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