PHOTO ABOVE: Why not get this book and pass it around your congregation?
We all need encouragement! But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 As a pastor, I felt the need to always put a good front up before people in the congregation. I’m not saying this is right, but there is a certain amount of pressure to appear as if everything is always all right. I remember someone once leaving a church where I pastored telling me, “I need a pastor who didn’t struggle.” I remember thinking, “Good luck finding one.” That is why I much appreciate meeting with other pastors. Tuesday was one of these days in Amsterdam, New York. Seven leaders gathered together to pray for their community and to pray for each other. This may sound strange, but it was encouraging to see others being encouraged! Then, they turned their attention towards me and prayed for me. It is so uplifting to have brothers lift up holy hands for me, with me. It encourages and strengthens me. It is said that it is lonely in leadership. How might you encourage your pastor? There is a good read: Pastors Are People Too: What They Won't Tell You but You Need to Know by Jimmy Dodd and Larry Magnuson. Buy a copy, read it and pass it around your congregation. Prayer: Lord we thank you for pastors, your gift to us. Lord, help us encourage our pastor to find and get the support they need. Lord, draw them closer to You. Fill them with Your Spirit. Keep them on the course You have set before them. May they finish this race strong.