A pastor friend told my husband and me that he’s considering leaving the ministry because he feels as if his efforts haven’t resulted in heart change for any of his congregants—that their priorities remained out of step with God’s. After my husband and I prayed for him, he told us that we had encouraged him. Even so, I’m not confident that he’ll remain in fulltime pastoral ministry.
This pastor’s anger and lament over the spiritual state of some believers in Jesus reminded me of Moses’ anger and discouragement with the Israelites. When Moses descended Mount Sinai holding the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments engraved on them, he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calf. In his anger, he smashed the tablets at the foot of the mountain (Exodus 32:19). He then approached his brother Aaron and demanded to know how such idolatry came about. Aaron wouldn’t take even part of the blame, saying, “You yourself know how evil these people are” (Exodus 32:22).
We complain about those we consider to be inept and ungodly leaders in the church. And of course, there are some leaders we should approach with genuine questions or concerns. Matthew 18:15-20 calls us to go to those with whom we have issues. Sometimes, however, we can be the source of the problem—people who fill our leaders with grief. We discourage them with our complaints, critical spirits, and mean-spiritedness.
Today, as the Holy Spirit guides us, may we try to encourage our pastors and other church leaders—letting them know that their work is of great value: “Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Esther 3:1-15
More:
Read Ephesians 1:15-17 and consider how you can pray for your local church leaders.
Next:
What can you do today to encourage your pastor and/or other church leaders? Why do we sometimes complain and criticize instead of trying to help solve problems within the church?
don777 on May 4, 2017 at 6:05 am
Is this why we are called sheep? If you had a barn with no animals in it, than it wouldn’t stink. But it would be awe-full quite and and lonely. then what is the point of having the barn. We are not made to be an Island, I stink to others as much as they stink to me. God knows this, so He made the 2nd commandment. Grace & Mercy i have received Grace & Mercy i give. i must decrease that He will increase. Oh Lord we need a savior everyday all day. People are or biggest test, because it is not them, it is me that is the problem on how i need to respond. Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. +>i
Marlena Graves on May 5, 2017 at 6:49 pm
I agree. May we be full of the Spirit. Let us desire that fruit. This is an answer that Jesus will answer – asking for the Spirit!
Gary Shultz on May 4, 2017 at 6:12 am
Hi Marlena: Good thoughts. We do need to encourage our pastors, they have a difficult job. They are also human, they don’t have a magic wand and they don’t always do what we may like to see in our minds eye. The last time I checked, if the pastor is following God’s word and He minsters and teaches from that format we need to give thanks. We twist our insecurities, wants, likes, and tastes into a package we think the pastor should deliver. If that doesn’t happen we go into shoot the messenger mode. We have to ask who’s church is it anyway? Is it ours, is it the pastors, the influential’s, The scholars? Last time I checked on this it was God’s gift to minister to us. Yes, people can really get it messed up, but God desires to have a body of believers dedicated to Him, with each doing their own part. We need to join the work if it follows God’s word. We need to stop the criticism and start the prayer, maybe first confessing our selfish pride and ripping at the body of Christ. Then recognize who’s church it is and He can do all things, and join on the building team, pray use our gifts to lift the body. Help the young believers to gain strength, support and strengthen. Maybe we can even show the world the love that can come form a loving body of believers. Thanks Marlena
Marlena Graves on May 5, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Love from a loving body of believers…Amen. That’s where I see Jesus the most.
Tom Felten on May 4, 2017 at 8:56 am
Marlena, I’ve been on both sides of this equation. It can be so easy to complain, so easy to poke holes, so easy to feel my interests aren’t being addressed as leaders do their thing. But it’s a far different view when you’re the one holding on to the staff! May God give us grace to love each other well, exercise our gifts, and respect those who are striving to lead. And if there’s something we don’t like, may we first prayerfully decide how important the issue is, and then—if change is truly necessary—roll up our sleeves to lovingly work with our leaders and others on a solution.
Marlena Graves on May 5, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Tom,
Thank you for this: “And if there’s something we don’t like, may we first prayerfully decide how important the issue is, and then—if change is truly necessary—roll up our sleeves to lovingly work with our leaders and others on a solution.”
mike h. on May 4, 2017 at 11:12 am
mike h.
Once I wrote a letter to the opinion page of the local newspaper in support of Christian ministers in general. After it was printed I received a call from a pastor who gave me an emotional thanks. I was thankful that my letter had encouraged someone.
Marlena Graves on May 5, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Mike,
Thank you for taking the time to do that! I’ve been on staff at different churches for 15 years – so like Tom, I do see both sides. I ache when I see good folk lose heart. After all, how many people have a couple of hundred bosses (the parishioners)?
sandy229 on May 4, 2017 at 11:28 am
I think we just need to thank them for teaching us God’s Word and let them know how very much we appreciate them.
Marlena Graves on May 5, 2017 at 6:54 pm
It is always good to show appreciation. I think you’re right. They hear a lot of criticism. And as Tom said, if there is an issue, we need to think about how to approach it and not slander the pastor.
sandy229 on May 4, 2017 at 11:29 am
Prayer for National Day of Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for your great power. We praise you for your Truth. We’re grateful that you have set us free from the clutching grasp of sin and death.
Would you be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, providing your protection, and empowering with your strength. We ask that you’d bring about an awakening of your presence to America as never seen before. We ask that your Name be proclaimed, that all plans to silence the Name of Jesus would be thwarted and crushed.
We pray that many would come to know you as Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your Light, that you would open blind eyes and release those still imprisoned.
We pray that you would unify your people for the glory of your Name, that all who call themselves Christians would rise up, believing your great Truth.
Wake us up Lord! Remind us to live aware, to redeem the time, to listen to your words, to be willing to make a difference in this land.
We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them your wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people.
We pray for your great healing on America. Shine your face on us dear God. We need you now, more than ever before. Our times are in your hands.
Thank you that you are rich in mercy and full of grace. Thank you that you are forgiving and merciful. Thank you that you are strong and mighty. Thank you that you are for us and that you fight for us still today. Bring honor to your Name, Oh Lord, for You alone are worthy.
In the Name of Jesus we pray,
Amen.
gregumpire87 on May 4, 2017 at 6:48 pm
Marlena, I am taking action and reaching out to pastors/leaders in our church today.
We are so quick to judge and point fingers at others…..when we do that, one is pointing at them and four are pointing back at ourselves. If we all took this to heart, our pastors would feel much more appreciated and our churches would be much more loving places. Word of encouragement are extremely powerful.
Marlena Graves on May 5, 2017 at 7:02 pm
I so agree. Words of encouragement give life. We need to weigh our thoughts and bridle our tongues when we think about criticizing others. I heard Erwin Lutzer say that the devil is a slanderer and the greek word for slanderer is ‘diabolo’ = devil. It applies to us all online and in person. We need to think very carefully before we unload on others. Sometimes we can’t undo the damage.
sandy229 on May 5, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Yes, that’s so true, once the damage is done, it’s done, and then you need healing.
1esther on May 4, 2017 at 7:51 pm
don777, I like your point of view. And sheep are a symbol for the church in the Bible. When I read your post I was at work in a one person office and I bust out laughing. Then I heard others down the hall laugh with me. Seriously, though sheep are dumb animals and they need a shepherd.
Dear Jesus, You are my Shepherd, Jehovah-raah. Thank you for being gentle with me and going ahead of me to guide me in all things. Thank you for who you are, You are my Shepherd. . .
1
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. Psalm 23 NLT In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
1esther on May 4, 2017 at 8:49 pm
Hello Marlena. Great article! What can you do today to encourage your pastor and/or other church leaders? I pray for our pastor. In the past I have taken advantage of November, pastor appreciation month and participated in that. One year we encouraged our pastor and his wife to attend a Marriage Encounter by Family Life. Thank you, Marlena for encouraging us to think, pray and act on how we can encourage our pastor and/or other church leaders. I am thankful for my Sunday School teacher for helping us learn God’s Word. The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8
Why do we sometimes complain and criticize instead of trying to help solve problems within the church? I have seen this side too, unfortunately true. I have seen how a pastor and family was criticized to the point of having to move to another church. I have seen what criticism can do. I want to be an encourager, a Barnabas. So help me God.
Prayer of St. Francis
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord.
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light,
And were three’s sadness, ever joy.
Oh Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand.
To be loved, as to love, with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
In giving of ourselves that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
Marlena Graves on May 5, 2017 at 7:04 pm
Esther, this is so lovely. It is my hope to be an encourager. I do love these words by St. Francis.
conmeo on May 5, 2017 at 10:12 pm
Marlena, thank you for this exhortation I aim to remember al those pastors and leaders that have taken up the Cross of ‘Christ daily. Let’s all pray for our Shepherds in the Lord, I name just a few….Dan, Justin, Bob , Paul, Art , Jack , Jim ,James, Jonathan, Don, Matt, Nick, Frank, Dave, Jose V, Jose C, Steve A, Steve F, Tom, Bob, Mike, Marcia, Martha, Mary, Justine, Vanessa, Carolyn, Rochelle, Lennie, Charles, Joe, Bill, Harry, Lex, Linda, Kathy, Joan, Sandy, Dorothy and those who serve in Your Spirit …..and our Great Pastor and Shepherd, Jesus Christ. May we continue to be receivers and thankful for Your Royal Love. Lord we pray for these men and women you raise up who are willing to serve Your people, us Your flock. Bless them, give them strength and use them to proclaim Your Gospel of Salvation to us even when things get messy and secular society asks them to deny or modify Your love. Give them Your strength unending. Have them dwell joyfully in Your Promise. Lord we also lift up their families as they serve in humble adoration of The Lord Jesus Christ. Amen