Our guest blogger today is Trevor Forbis, a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he is pursuing a B.A in philosophy. Trevor is my research assistant, and I want you to hear his good thoughts on this important topic. He is a member and Student Director at Restoration Church in Wake Forest, NC while he is also completing the Pastoral Apprenticeship at The Summit Church.
I believe as God’s people, it is our role to encourage our pastors. I have found four easy ways to love and encourage my pastor, and maybe these ideas will help you:
- Pray for him in person and in private.
Your pastor spends many hours each week leading people to walk in godliness. Satan will attack effective spiritual leaders of the church because he hates seeing people thrive in their relationship with Jesus. I desire my pastor to lead in godliness, so I’ve committed to pray for him daily. When I have opportunity, I pray for him in person, too.
- Tell him how God is using his sermons in your life.
A pastor puts his heart and sweat into his sermons. My pastor loves when people give him specific feedback, so I make it a point to tell him specific ways God used his sermon to challenge and grow me.
- Share with him stories of church members walking in godliness.
Your pastor can be in only one place at a time. After praying and laboring over the sermon he preaches, he may never see firsthand how God uses it in the people around him. As each of us learns the stories of others in our church community, we can use those stories to encourage the one God has made our shepherd.
- Surprise him with a good ‘ole fashion prank or gift.
A community that laughs together demonstrates strong unity, and I have found that many pastors love when the church community takes the time to have some fun! This may be putting flamingos in his yard, decorating his office, filling his car with balloons, or doing some other prank. Some pastors may enjoy a funny gift instead, so be sure to figure out your pastor's personality and let him know that he is loved!
In what ways do you specifically encourage your pastor? Take a moment to share some of those ways with us.
