I wonder how many of us take the job of encouragement seriously? Are you intentionally aiming to encourage the people around you on a regular basis? Are you making solid attempts to encourage your pastor and your church?
Encouraging pastors and churches is a high calling in my life. I am fortunate that Malvern Hill, my church, is supportive of their pastor working to encourage and equip other pastors. I honestly believe that part of being Kingdom minded is being mindful of what is going on in the lives of other pastors and churches, and then doing all that you can to see them encouraged and strengthened. Just yesterday, I received a voice mail from a near-by pastor who is on vacation…he just called to share some Scripture with me and encourage me. What a guy.
You might be the best chance at a ray of hope someone has today. Here are some suggestions for ways that you can encourage your pastor, other pastors, or anyone really.
- Call and share good news from your life. I have found that many folks in the middle of struggles in their churches are excited to rejoice with friends over the blessings of God in the Kingdom in other places.
- Send a card or a note. Email works too, but snail mail still says something special.
- Keep in close contact. Do you have a list of people that you call regularly just to encourage them. Amazingly, you will find that when you need hope yourself, these same people will show up. And, when you do call, don’t forget, listening is often more important than speaking.
- Send a gift or take them to lunch.
- Equip. One great way that we (as a church) are able to encourage other pastors and churches is by partnering with them and giving them resources. We’re not a huge church, we don’t have huge things to give, but we have found churches and pastors to be very appreciative when we can pour into their ministry.
- Invest. Encouragement is rarely a one-shot wonder. Encouragement often comes best from long-standing relationships.
- Pray. Prayer works, and if we truly believe that it does, then we should be praying for those in need of hope and encouragement. Our Heavenly Father knows better than we do what his children need and he will supply every need. He may even show you through your prayers, that you are the answer to this need.
- Finally, receive. You too will need encouragement someday, never allow your pride to rob you of the blessing of others and to rob them of the blessing of ministry.
I know there are countless other ways that we can give hope. I’d love to hear what some of you have done to encourage a down and out brother. Leave us a comment.
