No matter how godly, wise or anointed pastors may be, they are still human. Because of this, we should remember that they also have their limitations. They have weaknesses and needs. They have moments of discouragement. When we see them this way, our heart should go out to them and desire that we bless them.
Do you know of any pastor who is discouraged right now? Here are some ways you can encourage them to go on and serve the Lord.
1. Be there for them
Usually, pastors who lead from the helm face a certain level of loneliness. Pastors often need to keep up a good face or image since their respective congregations look up to them and see them as model people. However, the truth is that pastors and church leaders are also believers in need of some friendship and acceptance in vulnerable times, too.
Help your pastor find comfort by becoming a friend. Show them that you're there to be their friend who will stick in good and in bad times, and that they won't need to put up a good image in front of you. Let them just be themselves in your presence. Just be mindful to keep boundaries especially if you belong to the opposite sex.
2. Encourage other church members to grow in the Lord
One of the common reasons why pastors feel tired is that they are overworked. They labour in preaching, teaching, and in equipping people for a life of godliness. However there are some congregations where the only person doing that is the pastor himself.
Decide to help the pastor and share his workload. Offer to do some things in his stead, such as visiting other church members and praying for them. Help him check the spiritual health of the church and encourage other members to desire and strive for growth in the Lord, too.
3. Bless them
Your pastor might be discouraged right now because he isn't receiving what he needs. Pastors need many things, just like us: food, money to pay bills, friendship, even appreciation. Bless them with what you can give.
Give your pastor and his spouse a thank you card. Offer to support them in prayer. Treat them to lunch or dinner. You can also ask others to help in raising funds or whatever support you can give to your pastor, such as a weekend getaway for him and his spouse. Do all that you can to encourage him as your shepherd in church.
Our shepherds are sheep, too.
Remember that your pastor also belongs to the flock that is being cared for by the Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, and just like you, he is a sheep as well. Bless one another in the love of God.
