Pastors, as human beings, could use some encouragement. When you think about it, most pastors have a tough job. While every job has its own share of difficulties and challenges, the pastor’s job often carries greater weight than many others. After all, God has commissioned pastors with the responsibility for spiritual oversight. That’s a tall order. What can you do to encourage your pastor?
- Be an active listener. Encouraging your pastor isn’t just about the cliché act of washing his car. That’s great, but you can do something every Sunday that may be more encouraging than a clean car could ever be—listen well. One of the pastor’s main responsibilities is teaching the Word. He can tell (and sense) when people are listening and when they are not. Encourage him with an active demeanor, note taking, and the occasional nod of understanding. He has spent hours getting ready for the teaching event; encourage him in it. Be an active listener.
- Be an energetic participant. We talk a lot on this blog about getting involved in church and realizing that it’s more than just a Sunday morning event. Find ways to get involved in church beyond mere attendance. The church needs volunteer participants like you in order to function. A typical church reports that 90% of the work is done by 10% of the people. Get involved and encourage your pastor by cheerfully sharing the load of the ministry.
- Pray for him and with him. Prayer is huge. Pray for your pastor daily, in your own quiet time. Pray for your pastor as the service begins. Pray for him as he enters the pulpit to teach. Beyond private prayer, start a prayer time with others in the church for the specific purpose of praying for your pastor. You may also want to ask your pastor if he wants to pray with anyone. Pastors may not be in the habit of praying with the people in their congregation, but if your pastor is able to do so, this time of prayer with your pastor can be a very encouraging time for him.
- Support him financially. Scripture commands in several places that we support pastors with our money (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Corinthians 9:14). Hopefully, you will not do this out of a grudging heart or because you know the church is keeping track of who’s giving and who’s not. Whether or not your pastor knows you’re giving, you ought to do so. Small cash gifts, given personally, above and beyond your typical tithe, may also be an encouragement to him.
- Speak highly of him. Out of the entire list, this is probably the most significant means of encouragement. Pastors face a barrage of criticism. Immediately after the service, listeners scuttle to their homes or restaurants to hurl epithets of disdain and spite upon his sermon. Be an outspoken defender of your pastor. Scripture prohibits unkind speech, let alone unkind speech directed at pastors. For that reason, be vigilant to defend your pastor. Squelch criticism and never be guilty of dishing it out yourself. Speak highly of the pastor before your family, before others in your church, and before your pastor and his family.
- Thank him. Thank your pastor regularly. One of the marks of an encouraging person is the way that he or she expresses appreciation to others. As you thank your pastor, you are encouraging him. True thankfulness goes beyond the generalities. “Thanks for all you do, Pastor,” is fine, but there are even more meaningful ways to say “thank you.” Like this: “Pastor, the way that you explained verse five this morning was very helpful. I’ve written some things down in my Bible, since I now understand that verse like I never have. I know it’s going to make a difference in the way that I interact with my kids. Thank you so much. I can tell you did a lot of study to prepare for your teaching. I really appreciate it.” A thankful spirit like that takes longer, and requires some thought, but it’s worth it. The occasional thank you note or email goes a long way. True thankfulness encourages a pastor.
- Be kind to his family. The pastor is not the only one who has a tough job. His family does, too. Constant observation, quick criticism, and life on a pedestal are not easy for the long term. Be effusive in your kindness toward the pastor’s family. Honor them like you do the pastor, but recognize that they’re real people, too. Pastors will be encouraged when they know that their family is being cared for.
- Help to meet his needs. Regular deeds of kindness and goodwill are an excellent way to show your pastor that you care. When your pastor notices that someone is mowing his lawn, washing his car, trimming his hedge, or cleaning out his gutters, he is encouraged, recognizing that the people he shepherds appreciate his ministry and are giving back in tangible ways. Use your gifts, training, resources, or time, to encourage your pastor.
- Surprise him with something special. The big acts of encouragement deserve a mention, too. Pay attention to big events in your pastor’s life—a milestone in ministry, a significant anniversary, a birthday, or some other time. Use these events as an opportunity to give him some major encouragement. Plan a birthday party, an anniversary reception, or a special service to commemorate the event. There are other special ways to encourage your pastor. Sponsor a secret fund-raiser to gift your pastor with a designated amount of money for him and his wife to take a vacation. Grant him a sabbatical if you know he is wanting to write a book or attend a class. Give him a week or two from your vacation timeshare. Send him on a first-class cruise. Sponsor his trip to the Holy Land. Think big, and you will encourage your pastor in a big way.
- Be loyal. One the best encouragements that a pastor can receive is the gift of his people’s loyalty. If your pastor is a man of integrity, who loves Jesus, who is committed to His Word, and who faithfully shepherds his flock in a biblical way, stick with him. You may recognize his humanness and identify his weaknesses, but you can stick with him. Pastors need people to go through tough times. They need you. Encourage your pastor by being loyal to him.