I am a pastor. I love the church and the people of I have the privilege of leading.
In the last 20 years I have learned something–every pastor needs a group of people who are “heart and soul” with him.
I write this blog not as some weird hint to my church. New LIfe loves me! New Life has taught me the importance of people loving their pastor. I write this as an attempt to be practical for every Christ follower who loves their pastor and wants to find ways to partner with him.
Every pastor needs people who stand with him, speak life and are committed to his vision. Every pastor needs unseen Armor Bearers who lift his arms when no one is looking. When I talk in terms of “Pastor” this may also include other staff pastors at your church. (Youth Pastor, Children’s Pastor, etc)
You may feel “the day to have the pastor over to lunch” is over. In most cases I agree with you. But this doesn’t mean “the day to encourage the pastor” is over. Having lunch may be unpractical…but finding tangible ways to encourage the heart of your pastor in increasing in this day of spiritual war.
You need to find INTENTIONAL and TANGIBLE ways to lift the arms of your pastor.
Here are 8 practical things you can do for your pastor…
#1: Your pastor needs you to love Jesus!
This is the bottom line! Your pastor wants to hear that you are in love with Jesus and are being transformed in your life. Send your pastor an email and let him know how you are growing spiritually. Let him know how his messages are impacting you personally. Make the email short but real. ”Pastor, your message last week helped me become a better dad”…give an example….this will spark something in him that you can’t imagine.
#2: Your pastor needs you to have his back!
Let your pastor know you are with them “heart and soul”. Put a card in the mail, say something to him quickly in the lobby or leave a message on his facebook.
You can’t love your pastor “heart and soul” and gossip about him with your ”mouth and attitude”.
Refuse to gossip. Give your pastor the benefit of the doubt. Watch his back. Let people know–that is my pastor!!! Don’t touch him!!! Post something on facebook that lets the world know you love your pastor!!
#3: Your pastor needs you to contribute to the success of the mission.
Find a way to serve the church in tangible ways. Help carry the burden. The mission of God is to reach your city and community for Jesus. Be a part of this mission. Invite friends to church.
#4: Your pastor needs to know that you pray for him!
This is powerful. Somehow, let your pastor know that you pray for him and his family. Just a brief comment like, “Our family prayed for you last night.” goes a long way.
BTW–The most important time to pray for your pastor is Sunday afternoon and Monday. The enemy attacks after Sunday. Most pastors report they feel like quitting every Monday. The enemy feeds every preacher all types of crap after a Sunday…stuff like, “You should have said this.”, “This person left your church.” and “The offering is not high enough.”
#5: Your pastor needs you on Sunday!
Sunday is game day. Show up on time. Let me say it again–show up on time! Sit toward the front. Take notes. Smile. Bring a friend.
When your pastor says something insightful–tweet it, post it on facebook, etc.
There are people I love to see on Sunday! Their very presence encourages my soul!!!!
BTW don’t complain and gripe on Sundays! Your pastor is carrying the burden of preaching the gospel. The last thing he needs to hear is that the music is too loud 
…don’t gripe, bring ear plugs
#6: Your pastor needs you to do your part financially.
Here is a confession: Most pastors hate talking about money. However, every good pastor has to talk about Biblical Stewardship. Why? Jesus talks about money all the time. Also on a practical side— It costs money to run a church and finance the mission of God.
Be a giver. One of the greatest stresses pastors have is about finances and encouraging people to give. You be the giver!!! Go the extra mile. Trust me on this—if every Christ follower would simply tithe (give 10% back to God) this would encourage every pastor in America.
#7: Your pastor needs you to know that he is human and will make mistakes.
Your pastor won’t hit a home run every Sunday. Your pastor will make wrong calls. Your pastor is human. Be ok with this.
Don’t compare your pastor to another pastor. In the day of the internet and social networking it’s easy to compare your pastor with the other pastor down the street or across the country. Don’t. I call this the “church centerfold”. Looking at another church on the web site is seeing the church at it’s best…you don’t have to live with that pastor and see him preach all the time. You don’t know his mistakes. All you are seeing is the “centerfold”….It is rude, and simply not honoring God to compare your pastor to your favorite “centerfold”.
#8: Your pastor needs you to love his family.
If you love my family–you love me!!!!
What are some other tangible and intentional ways to encourage your pastor?
