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The need to support your Pastor/Leader cannot be overemphasized, most especially during this pandemic. Although your pastor’s goal is to look out for your common good they need those who will look out for them as well.
It has been 100 years since the last big pandemic which was the Spanish Flu back in the 1920s. So, for most active pastors, it is safe to say that they have never pastored their flock during a pandemic.
Although they have great faith, they still see and feel the burden of this sickness upon the land and people. They desire to encourage the flock to the best of their ability.
Although many have opinions on how the church should be running during this time, it is the flock’s responsibility to pray for their leader so that they make the best decisions under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
So, it is imperative to remember to encourage your pastors and leaders as well.
Here are the 5 most important reasons why we need to support and encourage them (even in these trying times):
They also go through hard times. (Phil. 4: 11 & 12).
Most times, our pastors and leaders in faith go through a lot of things, and sometimes it is very hard for them to share. Some of them go through unexplainable situations in life and they are striving to live as God has commanded them.
Paul said in Philippians 4: 11 & 12 that he had been through different conditions and situations. Pastor’s and leaders often are tempted with doubts at times and are overwhelmed just like everyone else. However, it is your support and encouragement that keeps them going. Just a simple word of prayer could also go a long way in supporting them.
They labor for you.
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? if others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we do not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar get their food from the altar? (1 Cor. 9: 11 – 13 NIV).
If your pastors have fed you with spiritual food, then it is important that you also support and encourage them with material things as God leads you. Most of them would not be able to tell you about what they need in this pandemic but you will need to be discerning to know and just give them things out of your free will.
Your support earns you blessings. Phil. 4:18 – 19.
Consider blessing your leaders and pastors because your support is a gift from God that is a small reminder to the leader regarding their worth in the Kingdom. Once you support and encourage their ministry (especially during this pandemic) they will appreciate it and it will push them on in their pursuit to fulfill the will of God. Not only this but God sees your gift of love and puts his blessings upon it.
It shows your love for God. (1John 4: 16).
Encouraging your leaders and supporting them, shows that you love God and you are appreciating the work that God has placed in their hands. God has placed them over you and so supporting them means that you are respecting the anointing of God in their hands. You love God so you should support and encourage your pastors.
They never stop thinking and praying for you. (Col. 2: 5)
During this pandemic, your pastors and leaders in the church have not stopped praying and caring for you. Even during this pandemic, they still care and pray for you and every other member in the church. They take every member of their congregation to God in prayer. They ask for blessings upon everyone. Even more, than you can ever think, they care. So why would you not support them?
Pastors and Leaders play a huge role even in this pandemic. They keep the flock of Christ together and they keep praying for them.
These 5 reasons are the most important reasons why you should encourage and support your pastors. They deserve it!
Here are a few more acts of encouragement the next time you desire to remember your Pastor or Leader.
Call and say "thank you." These two little words go a long way in showing appreciation for the leader God has placed in your life.
Do a "drive-by parade" to your pastor's home. For those ministries who aren't having services at a physical location, this shows overwhelming support of love that allows them to get to see everyone they miss.
Let everyone know how you feel about your Pastor. Do it on your social media page as well as your leader's social media page. This shows your continued loyalty and support of your leader.
If their sermon has blessed you during this time don't keep it to yourself. Let others know because this is true discipleship and you never know who else needs to hear the same word.
Be the best you can be in God. Strive to fulfill your purpose and live what has been taught. This goes a long way in showing your leader their words haven't fallen on death ears.
Continue paying your "Tithes and Offerings." According to Lifeway Research, "52% of Protestant Pastors say that giving has decreased since the Pandemic while only 18% has increased." Funds are still needed to continue to keep up with the overhead costs of the ministry.
Leaders, help "Brainstorm" with other members and leaders. Come up with ideas to implement creative ideas to carry the gospel to others during this time. This will help take the load off of the leader and gives them ideas that may have not been thought of yet.
How have you supported and prayed for your pastor lately? What ideas do you recommend that haven't been mentioned?