Therefore let no one despise him (1 Cor. I am not talking about the type of prayers that begin with O God, let them see things the way I see them. How about praying for their needs and their issues? Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. 4:15). Instead, prepare your heart by being still before him as you begin your time together. A hand written message will usually be read in private which provides a more personal "thank you". Why? Who knows how close he may be to leaving the ministry (by quiet resignation or by public scandal)? Neither of these things is true. Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn (PhD, Cambridge University) is professor of church history and director of the Craig Center for the study of the Westminster Standards at Westminster Theological Seminary. Zac serves on the Leadership Development Team at College Park as the Pastoral Resident. If time is given during a service or event for public sharing, talk about something positive your pastor did recently that few people know about. One of the greatest gifts you can give to your pastor is a commitment to pray for him. They still love God, love his people, and love the Bible. When people are silent, pastors wonder if they are making any difference at all. Encourage him to stay the course, let him know you are with him, standing alongside him, and are following him as he follows Christ. Indeed, they are many and they are vital. "For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord" ( 1 Thess. Surely if God calls them to preach the Word (2 Tim. Your pastors aim is your sanctification (1 Thess. Before you read anything else, stop and pray for your pastor now. Be proactive to make sure he is getting spiritual, emotional, mental and physical rejuvenation. Perseverance. Thats why I think so many pastors look at budgets and buildings and bums in the pew. Its a time set aside each year for churches to show their pastors how much they love and appreciate them [], October has been set aside by many as Pastor Appreciation Month and I am often asked, What can we do to show our pastor we appreciate him?As a pastors wife for over twenty years, I [], All content, unless otherwise stated, is copyright Baptist Bible Tribune, Carl Boonstra, A Good Steward and Missionary Leader, Louisiana Baptist University & Seminary 49th Commencement Exercise and Installation of New President, Al Janney: One of the Last BBFI Founders with the Lord, BBFI APEX Church Planter Spring Assessment, on When the Church is Silent During Pastor Appreciation Month, According to Lifeway, more than half of pastors agree with the statement, I find it is easy to get discouraged.. Drop off some doughnuts, bagels, or fruit to the church office for the entire staff to enjoy. 7:15)! Give Today. There are godly people who are still too ignorant about Gods message in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Get a group of people together to fast and pray for your pastor. They are using whatever two or five or ten talents theyve been given. The prophet Habakkuk said, "The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him" (Habakkuk 2:20 NIV). You prayed for me (such as sending a note telling your pastor that you prayed for him). PDF, ePub, and Kindle files will be sent to this email address. He is passionate about learning about God through his Word and teaching others to do the same. Encourage him to take off for times of prayer, meditation and reflection. Write an article for the church newsletter about how thankful you are for your pastor. I serve a great church, and nothing in this short piece should be read as a surreptitious complaint. If there is one way you can make the job of your pastor more enjoyable, it is by leaving the political stuff at home. All rights reserved. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. Speak to him with respect. (07159230705). Author of How can you encourage your pastor? You may be tempted to become frustrated, angry, and recoil from your pastor in those moments. Its measurable. Excellent pointers backed up with scripture. 20 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor - FamilyLife Perhaps the book cant be found because its never been written. They cannot walk on water, neither can they change water into wine. If there is a need and you can help, then do it. Here are 10 ways you can encourage your pastor (or pastors). 1 Cor. I am convinced that not a day passed in which I did not long for death ten times, Andrew Bonar Writing to his close friend McCheyne said, I was very melancholy, I may say, on Saturday evening. One of the best ways to make your pastors job more enjoyable is by not adding a burden to them. General statements can feel like youre just being nice. Know this: whether he tells you or not, your pastor needs your encouragement! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enjoying the Journey exists to evangelize the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ, encourage pastors and local churches, and equip believers to walk with God and serve Him each day. 16:16). Its not easy to be a pastors friend because we see their struggles and pains more often. Give it enough time, and I promise the opportunity will come for you to write off your pastor as a disappointment. The old scenes reminded me of my ministry, and this was accompanied with such regret for past failures. Andrew Bonar also wrote, My ministry has appeared to me to be wanting in so many ways that I can only say of it, indescribably inadequate., Charles Spurgeon At the zenith of his ministry, Spurgeon said, I am the subject of depressions of spirit so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to., Campbell Morgan At the height of his ministry, Morgan astounded his congregation by telling them that he was a failure. Its made all the difference. How you pay your pastor is an expression of how much you value the gospel, 10 more great ways you can encourage your pastor, Pastor Appreciation Month The Pastor's Soul, Top 5 Books For Burned-Out Pastors (and Those Who Love Them) The Pastor's Soul, 10 More Great Ways to Encourage Your Pastor The Pastor's Soul, 6 Things the Bible Says About Loving Your Pastor The Pastor's Soul, Why you should make your pastor take a sabbatical The Pastor's Soul. Be present. When people are silent, pastors wonder if they are making any difference at all. We have opportunity for a lot of things. While the presenting symptom on such occasions is emotional depression and weakness the real problem is physical: low energy (Staying Power; pp. It means the world to me. 1:16). The Gospel Coalition supports the church by providing resources that are trusted and timely, winsome and wise, and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Six steps to your doctors happiness. This kind of encouragement is particularly important right now. 16:10-11). We sent out a call for help on that, and here is the result. Im not talking about stroking your pastors ego just to make him (or you) feel good. These are the emotions of a person who needs a word of encouragement. Will Graham: 4 Ways to Support and Encourage Your Pastor Pray for his spiritual vitality. Dont tell your pastor anything you dont really mean. Send a letter to his son or daughter who is away at college. The church needs men who love the gospel of the Triune God. Be imaginative and think of ways you can serve your pastor: give him genuine and valuable feedback; give him moral support; give him time and prayer. I also know its tough; these have been some difficult days, but dont you quit! Book Review: The Shepherds Toolbox, by Timothy Z. Witmer, On Thriving in Times of Loss, with Kristin Schmucker (Priscilla Talk, Ep. Let me say it even more clearly: Pastors have a life outside of church and we should let them enjoy it. Pastoring a group of people known as a church is a great honor. These are ten, simple and practical suggestions for encouraging your pastor(s). 49 encouraging things to say to your pastor - Joe McKeever God directs Christians to honor the local church pastor(s) and elders (1 Tim. Send him to a place that will teach him how to spend time alone with God. What does that mean?. by Zac Griffith | Apr 26, 2021 | Articles, A few years ago, I was cleaning out a church attic and found an old, dusty mug that featured a caricature of a pastor listening to a younger church attender. 2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encouragewith great patience and careful instruction." Titus 1:7-9 "Since an overseer manages God's household, he must be blamelessnot overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. My husband has pastored in the past and we sometimes felt like we were on the outside looking in. Treat him for who he is and for the office he holds. To esteem is to think highly of him; to have great regard; to consider valuable, very precious, or distinguished.. Buy his entire family tickets to a sporting event. Difficulties that I first faced like a problem-solver full of faith now cause me to buckle at the knees. (Make sure to also honor your entire pastoral team.). 5:17). Writing about this year in his life he said Were I to tell you only the littlest things of the misfortune what am I saying of the adversity which virtually crushed us during the course of one year, you would hardly believe me. Who knows what season of doubt your minister may be enduring? In our fallen world, sin knows no boundaries, sheep bite, wolves creep into churches, and life is hard. To take this a step further, pastors love when the people in the church are able to relate their personal growth with what they are learning from their pastors and church leaders. There is a theological aspect to eldership. Paul concludes a short summary of ministry with the following description:As grieving yet always rejoicing, as poor yet enriching many, as having nothing yet possessing everything (2 Cor. Pray for them about this. Keep track of his, his wifes, and his childrens birthdays as well as his wedding anniversary. Nothing will inspire your pastor more or give him more joy than to see how you are growing in Christ. Even pastors in ages gone by struggled with discouragement and depression. How you pay your pastor is an expression of how much you value the gospel (Galatians 6:6-10). Ask your church to give the pastor regular time away for prayer. I'm not talking about stroking your pastor's ego just to make him (or you) feel good. Leave him alone during his day or days off, unless of course, it is an emergency. Remember some words used in the survey. When that happens, get ready and watch what the Lord will do in your church. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Pastors ability to see the work of God displayed through the sanctification of saints is only speculation until members of the church speak up about the change that the Spirit is bringing. Maybe some of them (some of us) are. Ive listed 52 suggestions below. But being a pastor is unique in that every week our workand really our heart and soulis put on display for everyone to see, savor, or sleep through. 5:13). Pull up a chairLifeway Women is a place to gather around the Word. Someone told me this a while ago and I strive to live by this rule be easy to work with. 16; Matt. All rights reserved. Ask your pastor to pray with you, then spend the whole time praising God for your pastor. Our Lifeway Women Academy summer, "More than casual encounters or the practice of in, At Lifeway Womens Leadership Forum be equipped, Time to hit send on that group text and start plan, What we believe about the goodness of God will, https://www.barna.com/research/new-sunday-morning-part-2/, Practical Tips for Encouraging Your Pastor and His Family, 7 Ideas for Celebrating Pastor Appreciation Month. Just like you, hell never be beyond the need of grace in this life. There appears to be no end of books that tell you how to look after yourself. 2023 Enjoying the Journey. Your Pastor Needs Encouragement - Here Are 7 Ways You Can Help 4 Real-World Observations of What it Means to Live by Faith, Two Prayers to Add to Your New Years Prayer List, The One Indicator That It Is Time to Leave Your Church. Invite others to join in. Kevins work can be found on clearlyreformed.org. Your pastor cannot feed you if you do not show up for the meal. Cookies enable you to enjoy features such as social sharing. Provide an escape. When we posted "59 things not to say to a pastor," my cousin Rebecca Kilgore Smith of Jasper, Alabama, suggested we should balance the sheet with a list of positive, encouraging things to say to pastors. The minister who provides spiritual food is to be treated at least as well as the ox that grinds grain. He has bad days, sometimes looks back in regret, and often wishes he would have responded differently to situations. Every Sunday, as Ms. Wynell Pierce is leaving church, she greets me with a handshake or a warm hug, only to say, I love you, pastor, and we love your family! She means it, and I know she does. May the Lord use you to help His servant and His people this week! Finally, pastors are encouraged when you share with them the ways that you have seen them growing as well. The Lord uses the preached Word and your pastor as a strong voice for you to consider your ways before the Lord and to repent. In time, these were proven to be more than words. To him. Most people who criticize pastors have never been one. Salem Media Group. I didnt realize there was a Democrat or Republican box that needed to be checked on the job application. There will be more about them in the next post. You can be the person who gives it to them. From your heart. Refuse to speak evil and refuse to listen to it. Well, you just did. Five Ways to Encourage Your Pastor (Without Exalting Him) Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Finally, your pastor is to be devoted to the trustworthy message as it has been taught. Make yourself available to teach a Sunday School class or work in the nursery during a service. Hes the pastor God has placed in the church and in your life at this time. All rights reserved. I hope this helps you know how to encourage your pastor. And go one step further: let him know as often as you pray for him. Michael Joyce with the financial firm Agili . But we should all consider what our responsibilities are to the pastor: how can we help him fulfill his role and how can we work together to make the church all it should be? Put an ad in the local newspaper expressing your respect for your pastor. I think most pastors genuinely have no idea if they are making any difference in the lives of their people. Because for just over a year now, it has been difficult for a pastor to know who is listening to his teaching (try reading facial cues when everyone has masks on! Pastors are human servants called to a supernatural work. posted on any other website without permission. The work doesnt go as one imagines, the church doesnt grow as one desires, lay leaders wont cooperate with ones leadership, people are excessively critical, or finances are down. This task weighs heavy on the hearts of all faithful ministersnow and since the great commission. Van Dixhoorn is happily married to Emily Van Dixhoorn and they have five children and a dog. This means there may be moments where they are not available to you because they are spending time with family, on vacation, or just getting much needed rest. Just say something like, I continue to grow as a Christian because of your preaching. Or, Last weeks message really spoke to me. Or, Ive learned so much about the Bible during this last sermon series. A little bit of encouragement will go a lot farther than you think. Take a few Sundays each year to specifically bless your pastors family. In his lecture on The Ministers Fainting Fits, Spurgeon opened with these words: As it is recorded that David, in the heat of battle, waxed faint, so may it be written of all the servants of the Lord. Ministers do not move from glory to glory but from crisis to crisis. 5 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor. Why not incorporate that into your prayers for your pastor? You will reap the residual effects for it. 6:1, 4, 6, 18). Smile a little during his sermon. I am behind you and Im standing with you. Give him time, and your pastor will let you down. But if your pastors sermon helped you see more of Jesus, or helped you turn from sin, or helped you understand the Bible better, or helped you be a better spouse, or helped you trust God in the midst of suffering, or stirred your affections for the things of glory, tell him. Proud member Write a letter to your church's leaders expressing your gratitude for your pastor. You are always on call; it can be challenging to get away. Dont be surprised when that feeling even feels justified. 4. Someone has said, Fatigue makes cowards of us all. Let me rephrase that in more general terms: Physical exhaustion alters my emotional state. 11:28). 6:10). 5 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor Southern Equip They dont wear capes. They are working hard. (3) And, heres a odd one to consider: by treating their position with fear and trembling (Acts 17; Matt. Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it? Its a heavy load, and we havent even mentioned other important aspects of the pastors life and calling: his own holiness and walk with Christ, his family, and personal struggles. Ask your denomination what else they recommend. Acts 28:9-10, 2 Cor. Nothing will inspire your pastor more or give him more joy than to see how you are growing in Christ. Caveats in place, here is one simple and very important thing you can do to encourage your pastor: tell him you are grateful for his preaching. I recommend one day each month and two full weeks each year (one week each quarter would be better). As he thought over his ministry, he said, During these ten years, I have known more of vision fading into mirages, or purposes failing of fulfillment, of things of strength crumbling away in weakness than ever in my life., (Original source for this could not be found. Sharing that information with your pastor lets them know that they are not the only ones working for your growth, but you are holding up your end of the deal as well. Do you want your church to be a strong church? Pray for Him The work of pastoring is not only mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing; it's also grueling spiritually. What do you do for a living? Give, not merely monetary support, but give service to him and his family. More information is available on our Privacy Policy. Often, a pastors decisions are met with suspicion, questions, or outright resistance. Though preaching isn't the whole job, it's usually what excites pastors the most. So, pastors are encouraged when their members take every opportunity they can to benefit from the work that their pastors are doing. The pastors wife and kids often feel like there are extra expectations placed on them. Paul wrote to a church that he had loved and for whom he had labored: And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved (2 Corinthians 12:15). He is the author of more than 20 books and a popular columnist, blogger, and podcaster. After all, Scripture reminds us to honor elders that rule well, but especially to honor those who labor in preaching and teaching (1 Tim. Shall they tender grace unto you, and you will resist it? When was the last time you sincerely prayed for your pastor? Who knows what discouragement constantly plagues him? If you are a pastor, what act of kindness from those in the church has encouraged you most? Hi my name is SiTerra and I am a fellow Pastor with Pastor Mary Baker. These were the top six responses. Sorry.). One Simple Way to Encourage Your Pastor - The Gospel Coalition Effectiveness is measured by obedience. Paying pastors a living wage is necessary, but I suspect that Paul would want to do more than honor our pastors with pay. They also help us analyze general site traffic so we can improve the website for everyone. Their title does not make them immune to this, so give grace that allows room for their humanity because, trust me, they need it. If we pause for a moment to think of all that pastors are called to be, well see just how much they need our prayers. Again, be specific. Its difficult to adequately express all the ways the Lord used the words of this godly man to refresh my heart and spirit, but I can assure you it was timely and life-giving to my weary soul. 25 Encouraging Scripture Verses For Your Pastor Fits of depression come over the most of us.The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.. Here are a few things that faithful church members should do regularly to encourage the undershepherd God has given them: There is a great deal of talk about the responsibilities and role of a pastor today. Through audio, video, and print resources we are seeking to preach the gospel, teach the Word of God, and reach this generation for Christ. I'm praying for you. Be a conduit of grace, hope and love to build up your pastor. 1. Who and what are "officers" of the Church? Find simple ways to get to know the person God has called to be your pastor. If you have been encouraged and grown with the help of a pastor do not sit idly by; encourage them by sharing how they have encouraged you. Im not confident we would benefit from all these titles, but one book I cant find that Im certainwouldbe useful is something on how to encourage your pastor. He has a heart, he has needs, and he certainly has feelings. However, if he has a character beyond reproach, then uphold it, maintain it, and promote it. Encourage Your Pastor : 9Marks He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. Loving your lawyer. It was during a particularly difficult season of ministry, and Im sure he could sense the hardship I was walking through. By continuing to use the 9M website, you consent to the use of cookies. Im a pastor. A pastor's calling is to participate in the ministry that Jesus Christ founded, making disciples of the only one who can save sinners from their brokenness. The pastor has an obligation to his family just like you do, and we should acknowledge that. If hes serving in a church where hes the only pastor, he likely feels alone and solely responsible for shepherding the church. Perhaps you would be surprised by how many present-day pastors find themselves very discouraged and depressed (statistically, more than 70%); even popular and famous Christian ministers. 15 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor - ChurchLeaders So many people tell him his sermon was great that he realizes their comment is the same as an American asking, How are you? We dont really mean it its just a greeting. In moments like those, pastors need some members to stand with them. Preferably, it would be good to spread out these blessings over the course of a year. He wants you to grow and mature into Christ. Your donation matters. Rev. We respect your privacy. Write a letter of pastor appreciation to your churchs denominational headquarters. Pastor Mary Baker stricken with 4-stage cancer - GoFundMe Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. There may be things they are unwilling to share, but the gesture will tell them you care about their life as much as they care about yours. Though, I doubt we would want that for ourselves. Invest in Your Pastor's Joy for the Good of the Church. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Its release day! Someone said that discouragement is the occupational hazard of the ministry, and Spurgeon was no exception to this rule. That means to place a high value, price, or put in a place of great respect. It is very difficult to be loving, gentle, and kind toward people when a small group of nitpickers are constantly at him about trivial matters that have little to do with the overall purpose of the church. 2:29; 1 Thess. 3. There are a number of ways to do this, but the most practical may be to encourage lay leadership at your church to establish a pastoral care team that is tasked with overseeing the wellbeing of your pastors and their families. Other congregations do this during another time of year such as the pastors anniversary or a special day in the life of the church. One of the best things you can do to support your pastor is continue to be faithful to your church. He is to be holy. Caveats in place, here is one simple and very important thing you can do to encourage your pastor: tell him you are grateful for his preaching. Have the 4 10 year old children in your church write down their answer to the question, What does a pastor do? Read the responses during a service. The church attender was saying something along the lines of, When I grow up, I want to be a preacher just like you, because you only have to work one day a week.. He has hobbies and interests. 2) Encourage him in leading his family. 2023 Enjoying the Journey. Consider these three effects your words might have: 1. Respect their choices. To appreciate means to give deserved recognition for the position he has and the work that he does. They shouldnt be pastors until they grow in their knowledge of the truth, and then cling to that truth. He has a family. The pastor may have done some things wrong, but they have also done some things right. Buy your pastor something he will appreciate. Order it, pay for it, and have it sent to your pastor's home. How to Encourage Your Pastor www.lifeway.com. After a sermon, dont tell him it was a great sermon. Over lunchto the best of my recollectionhe said these words to me: Pastor, I want you to know that I am with you. Personally. When a pastor preaches more than 45 Sundays a year, the week-to-week grind can be spiritually draining. Paul says to Timothy regarding his pastoral ministry, Practice these things; be committed to them so that your progress may be evident to all (1 Tim.

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