Encourage (your leaders...)

Over recent weeks, I have spoken to several Pastors and church leaders. On the whole, these conversations have been encouraging and a reminder in Gospel partnership. However, there is a growing number of discouraged Pastors and church leaders. Here’s why:

- They are discouraged by a reduced church online ‘attendance’. We know we are not to look at the numbers, but it is hard for preachers to see all their hard work being heard by fewer and fewer people. I spoke to one Pastor who has seen a reduction of 40%. In asking his church why they are not connecting, the response is generally one of “we can’t be bothered.”

- They are discouraged by a lack of connection with the church. You might not realise it, but Pastors genuinely care for the people in their church. We don’t want to shift to emails and phone calls only, at times it feels hollow and insincere. Pastors long to be back with their flock.

- They are discouraged by the verbal (and written) abuse they are receiving. I was truly saddened to hear that many Pastors are receiving abuse for things they said or didn’t say. For things they did or didn’t do. It seems the critics have got worse, and the supporters have been pushed to the background. One Pastor spoke of a member who sent a letter to his home, to point out all of his failings during lockdown (pray for him, he is hurting). Another Pastor spoke of a growing group of people who are seeking his resignation (all because he won’t do ‘live’ services and pre-records instead).

- They are discouraged by the lack of devotion to Jesus in their church. There is no excuse anymore. We have the time, space and resources to draw close to Jesus. Yet many of our church congregations are still showing signs of wondering in the desert. One Pastor said that he often feels like giving up, for there seems to be no change in his congregation’s attitude toward Jesus.

In listening and counselling these Pastors, I notice a pattern. The church lifts up the leader, the leader fails them (even if it is only a perceived failing), the leader then suffers from discouragement, or worse, an attack from inside the church. Sadly, this type of pattern no longer surprises me.

Let me remind you of some important verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.”

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Romans 15:5 – “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus”

We should not be (whether in leadership or not) discouragers. We are called to be encouragers. We are to be a people that live in harmony and places Jesus at the centre of every conversation and action. I think we can all agree, the world needs to see that right now!

I want to encourage Pastors and leaders reading this – keep going! The Lord has called you and He will equip you for the task. Don’t look to your congregation for approval and satisfaction. Look to Jesus, find your joy in Him. Know that he is your strength and your guide. Bear with your church, carry their burdens, encourage them, for by doing this you will shine the light of Jesus.

I want to encourage those who attend church. Stop looking to your leaders to be perfect, they will fail you, but by the grace of God, they will point you to Jesus. Lift them up in prayer. Many have never preached to a camera. Many are juggling lots of commitments and still trying to find the time to counsel you through this pandemic. Do not send anything abusive to them, instead, show love to them. In all of this, never forget, many church leaders and Pastors have families - care for their family.

Finally (in case this blog gets me in trouble), Pastors, you are not alone! Please message so that I can encourage you, and please, let me know how I can pray for you!

Keep going fellow workers – may the Lord bless your ministry!

All for Jesus

Pastor Ross Ferguson