Encourage Your Pastor

October is always a blessing to us as our church family, who always loves and prays for us- sends us notes of encouragement and love.

My heart is going out to all of those in our world who spiritually care for others.  Pastors, missionaries, teachers and small group leaders who in their own way shepherd their flock.

Seems like such an old fashioned word..."Shepherd".    Outdated some say.  Extinct.  

However, I find it extremely relevant for today's world.  Shepherd isn't just a noun.  A title.  It is also an action.  To shepherd. 

I grew up around shepherds.  Only they were called something a little different...cowboy, cattleman, or rancher.  So for those of you unfamiliar with that way of life-I'd like to share my experience.

Growing up it was our job to take care of the animals.  Provide shelter, food and water.  Maintain their health.  Manage their resources.  If it was blizzarding-we still went and fed.  If they got out where they would get hurt...we got them back in.  Doctored them and met their needs.

My Family's Ranch.

Being a shepherd or cattleman or woman is a dynamic position.  One that entails provision, protection, management, vision, faith and nurturing.  The shepherd has to be willing to lay down their lives for the well being of their charge.  Willing to sacrifice.  Willing to give.  

God calls those folks who come beside us to be our shepherds.  He puts them in a place to protect, lead and guide.   They are truly on the front lines of service... spiritually for us.

While God is our ultimate shepherd as Ezekiel 34:11 "I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.  As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.  I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness."

So I ask each of you to take the time the next few weeks to encourage and pray for your Pastor.  Whether you like them...or not.  

After all, they are just people struggling to be more like God and to do what is right in their own lives, families and communities.

Want some ideas?

• Pray for your Pastor's health in mind and body.
• Pray for strength and perseverance.
• Pray for protection and provision.
• Pray for their families and their children.
• Pray for them to be confident in who God made them to be.
• Pray for protection for them, their marriage and for their children.
• Write a note to let them know that you are praying.
• Tell them specifically what you are praying for.
• Tell them that you are committed to partner in prayer with them.
• Tell them what you have noted in their growth or point out their strengths.
• Take them out for coffee or fishing and fun!
• Give him or her the gift of your help!  Clean or repair something that has been needing done at church and at home.
• Validate their desire to serve the best they can.  Just a simple, "I appreciate that you give yourself in this way."
• Share with them your dreams for the church or ministry.