Honor within the church is about recognizing God’s design and provision through each member of the body, not creating a hierarchy of authority (that pertains more to respect). In some settings, the concept of honor has been misapplied, leading to expectations of unquestioning loyalty rather than mutual edification. However, true biblical honor is not about control or forced submission but about love, service, and recognizing the value of each person’s God-given role in building up the body of Christ.

While the organizational structure of any given congregation may require some form of hierarchy to operate efficiently, the church as the body of Christ does not function under a human ranking system in terms of ministry and spiritual composition. This can make it more challenging— and for some, harder to grasp—how to honor others who are at the same level spiritually, in anointing, and in calling. Since we are all equally called, gifted, and empowered to serve in different ways, honor is not based on positional authority but on the recognition of God’s provision through one another. Learning to honor those who are not “above” us in rank but beside us in function is key to fostering a true Kingdom culture.

 

What Honor Is (and Is Not) in the Church:

✅ Honor is recognizing and valuing each other’s gifts and roles in the Kingdom.

✅ Honor is mutual respect in love, not forced submission.

✅ Honor acknowledges that all believers are equally anointed and called, while also respecting those who carry added responsibility.

❌ Honor is NOT about blindly following leaders as if they are above us spiritually.

❌ Honor is NOT a tool for control, but a reflection of God’s order and provision.

 

Key Scripture:

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

Honoring Faith Authority

Honoring Pastors, Elders, and Faith Mentors (Hebrews 13:17)

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

Faith Mentors– Every believer is equally filled with the Spirit, called, and anointed (Ephesians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 3:6). However, some accept an added layer of responsibility by serving as pastors, elders, and mentors in faith. Honoring faith leaders is not about elevating them above others, but acknowledging their service.

 

Faith mentors equip, not control – They are called to build up others, not establish dominance over them. Honoring them is recognizing their service in the same way that the fivefold ministries (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) honor each other in function, not as an authority structure.

 

Ways to Honor Faith Leaders:

• Pray for them regularly (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
• Express gratitude—verbally, in writing, or through acts of kindness.
• Encourage them—leaders often feel isolated; a simple message of encouragement can be powerful.
• Support their vision by participating actively in ministry.
• Protect them from gossip and slander—speak well of them even when others do not.

 

The Role of Humility and Submission

Humility is key in honor – Just as leaders should not use their position to control, believers should not use their gifts to seek status.

 

Mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21) – Honor does not mean unquestioning obedience, but a willingness to respect and serve one another in love.

Submitting to leadership should be voluntary and from a place of trust, not fear or manipulation.

 

Ways to Honor Through Humility and Submission:

• Follow leadership with a teachable spirit, rather than a critical attitude.
• Serve where needed, even when it’s not convenient.
• Acknowledge the responsibility leaders carry—be patient and understanding.
• Encourage a culture of mutual submission, rather than creating spiritual hierarchies.

 

Honoring Fellow Believers

Love and Service in the Body of Christ (Galatians 5:13)

“Serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

Honor is not just for pastors and leaders, but for all believers.

Honoring others is serving them in love – We recognize God’s provision in others’ lives by encouraging their gifts and calling.

Serving others is not a lesser role—it is the very nature of Christ (Matthew 23:11).

 

Ways to Honor Fellow Believers:

• Celebrate their successes instead of competing.
• Offer help and support when they are struggling.
• Be patient and forgiving, even when differences arise.
• Value their contributions in ministry and acknowledge their efforts.

 

Avoiding Gossip, Division, and Dishonor (James 4:11)

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.” (James 4:11)

• Dishonor divides, honor unites.
• Gossip, slander, and tearing down others do not reflect God’s Kingdom.
• Instead of speaking negatively, we are called to build each other up in Christ.

 

Ways to Avoid Gossip and Division:

• Refuse to engage in negative conversations about others.
• Encourage reconciliation instead of spreading offense.
• Correct others with love, not criticism.
• Be intentional about promoting unity in the church.

 

The Value of Elders in the Body of Christ

In a world that often prioritizes youth, energy, and innovation, the church must remember the God-ordained value of elders and those with life experience. The Bible consistently emphasizes that wisdom is a treasure, and that those who have walked with God for a long time carry insights that younger generations can greatly benefit from.

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31)

Elders in the faith—whether in age, ministry, or experience—serve as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. They have walked through seasons of trials, victories, and spiritual growth, making them a vital source of wisdom and encouragement for younger believers.

 

Why We Must Honor Elders

They Carry Wisdom from Experience

Experience brings understanding that cannot be learned through theory alone.

Elders have navigated challenges in faith, family, ministry, and personal growth.

Their insights can prevent younger generations from making unnecessary mistakes.

 

They Are a Provision for the Church’s Growth

Just as the fivefold ministry equips the saints, elders provide a stabilizing foundation through their wisdom and guidance.

Honoring them means recognizing their role as a gift from God for edification.

Their faith stories encourage and inspire others to remain steadfast in God’s promises.

 

They Model Faithfulness and Maturity

Many elders have endured hardships yet remained faithful—a testimony younger believers should aspire to.

They have learned how to navigate relationships, spiritual battles, and church life with wisdom and patience.

Their presence in the church creates a multi-generational strength that balances zeal with wisdom.

Titus 2:2-3:

“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live.”

This passage highlights that elders are not just to be respected but actively involved in mentoring, teaching, and guiding.

 

How Younger Believers Can Honor Elders

Seek guidance when making big decisions—whether in faith, career, family, or ministry.

Value their input as wisdom, not as outdated thinking.

Show Respect in Actions and Speech

Be mindful of how you speak to and about elders.

Avoid dismissing their experiences as irrelevant or old-fashioned.

Honor them with words of appreciation and gratitude.

Include Them in the Life of the Church

Encourage multi-generational involvement in ministries.

Provide opportunities for them to share testimonies and teachings.

Don’t let them feel like they have been “replaced” by younger generations.

 

Serve and Care for Their Needs

As elders age, honoring them also means caring for their well-being (1 Timothy 5:1-2).

Whether through practical support or simply spending time with them, serving elders is a way to demonstrate gratitude for their investment in the church.

Leviticus 19:32:

“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.”

Honoring elders is not just a cultural practice—it is a biblical principle that reflects God’s heart for generational unity and wisdom-sharing.

 

Honoring Through Encouragement

The Power of Uplifting Words (Proverbs 18:21)

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)

 

Our words either honor or dishonor.

Encouragement is a form of honor – Speaking life over others acknowledges their value in God’s plan.

Instead of criticizing, seek to uplift those around you.

 

Ways to Honor Through Words:

Give intentional encouragement to those around you.

Speak life over others, even in correction.

Use words to inspire and build faith in those who are discouraged.

 

Serving Others with a Heart of Honor (Romans 12:10)

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

Honor is an attitude of the heart – It should be part of our daily interactions with fellow believers.

Serving others with honor is recognizing their God-given gifts and potential.

 

Ways to Honor Through Service:

• Help someone in need without expecting anything in return.
• Offer your time and skills to support church initiatives.
• Be present and available when people need guidance or companionship.

Reflection Questions

How do you currently honor your church leaders and fellow believers?

• Do you show appreciation for their work?
• Do you recognize their sacrifices and contributions?
• Do you encourage others in their calling?

 

How can you contribute to a culture of honor in your church?

• Be intentional about uplifting others in speech and action.
• Encourage healthy, mutual honor instead of unhealthy spiritual hierarchies.
• Engage in service without expecting recognition.

 

Have you ever dishonored someone unknowingly? How can you make it right?

• Ask God to reveal any dishonor you have shown in words or actions.
• If necessary, seek reconciliation by apologizing and speaking life into that person.
• Make a conscious effort to honor others going forward.