Vol. 20 No. 25 | June 18, 2018
I heard about another church leader who is discouraged. Then, I heard of another who is frustrated, and another who wants to quit after serving his ministry for many years.
Don’t worry, this is not a discourse on how ministers, church leaders, and their families are mistreated. Yes, many are treated poorly. But I’d like to focus on the positive and make a few suggestions on how we can encourage our leaders.
NOTE: I consider a ‘church leader’ to be anyone who serves in a leadership role, such as a preacher, teacher, worship leader, youth leader, elder, shepherd, or deacon.
First, take every opportunity to say something encouraging.
To the person leading the sermon, for instance, I guarantee he or she needs to hear something encouraging. When speakers share the Word in front of a group of people, they become easy targets for criticism. The was too long or too short. You were too loud, or not loud enough. Your sermons are too deep, or too shallow. For every ten positive comments received, it is the negative one that will consume his or her thoughts afterward.
We need to remember that these leaders have worked for hours during the week preparing something to offer words of encouragement, help us know God better, and live more like Jesus. We need to do the same for them.
Maybe say something like, “I loved that story you shared, thank you.” Or, “I never thought of that perspective before.” Or, “Thank you for all that you do for us.”
Second, pray for your leaders.
Pray for them to have wisdom and discernment. Pray for them to lead with boldness and gentleness. Pray for them to withstand the attacks they receive on a daily basis- from church members disguised at what can feel like the enemy. Pray for them to clearly see and hear the Lord’s guidance for them and the church. Tell them you are praying for them.
Third, support them.
Let those who lead you spiritually feel your support and know you appreciate their leadership. Support them financially. Support them emotionally and with your physical presence. It’s difficult to lead courageously when you feel like you’re all alone, when you’re not sure you can pay your bills, or when you’re sad and discouraged.
Fourth, love them.
Just love them. No matter what. No matter when. No matter how. Just love them like Jesus would love them.
Yes, I recently heard of another discouraged church leader. It always saddens me. I always want to do something to help. I may not be able to change the circumstances or fix what is happening. But I can encourage them. I can pray for them, support them, and assure them that I love them…no matter what, no matter when, no matter how.
I can love them like Jesus. So can you.
To order my book, Until Hope Returns click here Order the Book.
To view the video click here: Until Hope Returns, and order it at Order the Book.
There will be two book signings in the Nashville area on June 23.
One in Lebanon from 10 AM-Noon at 3:Sixteen Boutique (108 East Main Street)
Another at The Well Coffeehouse (690 East Old Hickory Boulevard, Brentwood, TN 37027) from 7-9 PM
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