We Need Prayers Too

Pastoring a church of 150 people is not an easy job neither is it easy to preach or teach to a congregation every week. Pastors have a special calling on their lives, and they need to be appreciated, cherished and encouraged as much as possible as the work of the ministry is not easy. Both of my parents are heavily involved in the ministry, so I know and understand the challenges that they face on a regular basis. I know about the sleepless nights and the busy schedules that they have to face on behalf of our church family. Nothing means more to them than praying for them during your daily devotion. Every day for them is a spiritual battle for them. All kinds of issues and problems arise on a daily basis which they have to face but they are still able to deliver a powerful sermon on Sunday.

How often do you pray for your pastors?

Instead of complaining that Pastor forgot about your birthday or that the choir didn’t sing your favourite song, you instead bow your head in prayer thanking God for raising such leaders in your church family. Although Pastors and Leaders are not looking for man’s approval but work for the approval for God, thank you can go along way sometimes. Thanking them for their hard work is sometimes overlooked as some people believe that as a Pastor, it is their duty to do such things. However, appreciating them by saying thank you makes them feel like those hours the spent preparing a sermon for Sunday didn’t go in vain.

@1-Timothy-5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Looking at some statistics from surveys gathered, 90% of Pastors stated they are frequently fatigued, worn out on a weekly and even daily basis. Of the Pastors surveyed, they stated that an average of only 25% of their church membership attended a Bible Study or house group at least once a week. It can sometimes be very discouraging to see that a Pastor who preaching to empty seats at a midweek service or praying at a prayer meeting with 3 members. Having members attend to service will suggest to the Pastors that the effort that they are putting into the ministry to help spiritual growth is not being done in vain. After all, all these services and meeting that Pastors and leader organise is help you as the congregation grow in Christ as well as get a deeper understanding of God’s word.

Pastors are such a blessing to the church and to the Kingdom of God, and we need to pray for them and encourage them at every opportunity. God wants our leaders to enjoy their work, as this calling is very important to the body of Christ. Their job may seem thankless and even overwhelming sometimes, so lifting them up with words of encouragement, helping their busy schedules or even coming to church events and meeting can go a long way. Pray for your Pastors and Leaders from time to time that the Lord will increase their strength in order to continue the ministry.

@Isaiah-40:31 

But those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.