Encourage Your Pastor

“Honor…your leaders in the Lord’s work.” 1Thessalonians 5:12

If you want to encourage your pastor:

(1) Cut the criticism. Most workers are evaluated each year based on their job performance; pastors and ministers are evaluated every week. Remember, if a particular sermon doesn’t teach you something new, chances are somebody else needs to hear it.

(2) “Remember your leaders who taught you the word” Hebrews 13:7 , and pray for their spiritual growth. I've learned that, “If you treat a person as he is, he’ll stay that way. But if you treat him as what he ought to be, he’ll become what he ought to be and could be.”

(3) Write a note. Especially when something your leader says or does ministers to you. Verbal encouragement is good, but a note can be read many times over.

(4) Put your talents to work. For example, if you’re mechanically inclined, service the pastor’s car. If you’re technologically savvy, help them improve their computer skills. Instead of saying, “You need to do this,” say, “I’d like to help by doing.” Ask where your skills are most needed and become an active participant.

(5) Squash gossip and rumors. James said, “If you…don’t control your tongue…your religion is worthless.” James 1:26

Counter negative talk with positive comments, and correct misinformation about the church with truth. If all else fails—walk away!

(6) Be openly responsive. Nothing encourages leaders like seeing people respond to their preaching and teaching.

(7) Get rid of the measuring stick. Instead of expecting them to be a mirror image of their predecessor, or a preacher on TV, thank God for your pastor’s individual and unique style to minister to those in need.

I personally thank God for my pastor, Jubal Garcia, for all his sacrifice and love for the church he leads, Metanoya in San Antonio Texas. He preaches every Sunday and leads Metanoya and Outcry in the Barrio Global and the pressures and the responsibilities he has are immense and he does it with great joy.