When you think about your church, one of the first people who may come to mind is your pastor. After all, they’re the one who keeps your church running. They’re responsible for taking care of everyone in your congregation. While you know this is true, you may not ever take the time to help your pastor feel appreciated.
It doesn’t require much time or effort on your behalf to reach out and support your pastor. However, many of us are guilty of doing small things that only take a few minutes to show them that they’re appreciated. Maybe you don’t understand why these things are important or what you can do with how busy you are, but take a moment to think about it.
Understanding What Encouragement Is
Before you can understand why it’s essential to encourage your pastor, you’ll need to take a few moments to understand what the Bible says about this subject.
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts ~ Colossians 4:8
In this verse, Paul tells us how vital grace is in a person’s life. It helps them understand how God uses them and that everything they’re doing is under His control. Other New Testament Scriptures teach us encouragement played a regular role in the church community.
Why Your Pastor Needs Encouragement
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
God knew that we need encouragement which is why He commanded us to encourage one another. It’s no different today. It’s more important than ever to encourage your pastor because they encounter so much brokenness in the lives of their followers.
How to Encourage Your Pastor
It’s essential to support your pastor because they’re serving in a role that can be emotionally, spiritually, and physically stressful. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to encourage your pastor.
Pray for Your Pastor
You already know that God hears your prayers and cares about your leaders. However, you may not even stop to think about lifting your pastor in prayer. Some of the things you can pray for them about include their emotional well-being, physical strength, spiritual wellness, and any specific needs you know. Praying for them is the easiest and most impactful way to support your church leaders.
Write Your Pastor an Encouraging Letter
Even if you tell your pastor that you appreciated their sermon, they’d still appreciate occasionally receiving a handwritten note or card. A simple “thank you” is great, but if God lays it on your heart to share an encouraging word or a piece of Scripture with them, that’s all the better. Your pastor will appreciate any words of encouragement you share with them.
Serve at Church
There’s no doubt that your church needs people with willing hands and a warm heart to volunteer. You’ll find that there are lots of ways to serve. Simply ask your pastor where you’re needed. They’ll gladly point you to where they need the most help. Regardless of what you do to help them, you will be able to support your pastor.
Be a Generous Giver
Your pastor doesn’t want to look like they’re campaigning for a higher salary. After all, a good pastor isn’t there for the money. However, you can still support your pastor by being a generous giver. Of course, you should also think of this as an act of worship.
Encourage Your Pastor’s Family
Not only does your pastor feel the toll of ministry, but their family does too. After all, being in ministry full-time is a family affair, even if your pastor is the only one working for your church. They’re spending late nights and weekends at the church. They’re also on call 24/7. These demands affect everyone in their family, so their families need encouragement too.
Speak Well of Your Church
Pastors get discouraged when they hear people in their church gossip. Instead of complaining about your church members, remember that the church is a hospital for sinners.
Make Your Pastor Feel Appreciated
It doesn’t take much time or effort to help your pastor feel appreciated. Even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way towards demonstrating how supportive you are of them. Take a moment today to consider how you can be a blessing to them.
