Encouragement
Hebrews 3:13
Encouragement is a missing element in almost every church today. We all need it to press on to maturity, and we all need to be disciplined to encourage one another along the way. In Acts 9, the apostle Paul became a Christian on the road to Damascus and tried to fit into the church but they rejected him due to his past. He must have been very discouraged as he began his new life in Christ. Barnabas took him to the apostles, explained how Paul was changed, and challenged them to trust Paul and help him grow up in the Lord. (Acts9:29)
The name Barnabas means "son of encouragement". Wow, what a name! Would you like to be known as an encourager? You can If you will look around and find individuals who are struggling and need someone to come along side them to help carry their load.
Every Sunday morning in America, pastors stand in front of thousands of congregations and preach their heart out, challenging people to live for the Lord, read and apply the Word, be diligent in prayer, and share their faith.
Countless numbers of these pastors go home discouraged, bewildered, and wondering why no one understands or cares. I have been one of those pastors. While there are many blessings and rewards, it is also a painful, laborious job. Pastors are called away from home all hours of the day and night, and are on call 24 hours a day. They are required to do many things that are outside of their training or giftedness. They try to cast a vision for their people and are too often met with stubbornness or apathy. They are expected to feed their flock spiritually and frequently are burned out spiritually, emotionally and physically. Typically they are underpaid and overworked. Unfortunately their family suffers the most.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month. MCM's vision is to help where the need is around the world. A missionary told me "you can't help everyone", and he is right, but we can help as God leads us. God holds us accountable for what He calls us personally to do. I can't do much for your pastor, but you can and should. This month I encourage you to be a Barnabas to your pastor. He may not be all you want him to be or all God wants him to be, but he is God's man for your church, your community, and your family. He needs someone to encourage him. Next Sunday all across America will be hundreds of young quarterbacks and kickers being encouraged and cheered on by thousands of fans. Articles will be written and accolades will be given to these athletes the next day while the men of God are discouraged, perplexed and at the point of despair. It seems a shame that we have all this mixed up.Seek for ways to minister to him and his family. Encourage other church members to do the same. Need some suggestions? How about:
take his family a meal
slip him some money
offer to keep his children so he can take his wife out (give him money for the outing)
mow his grass
send him a note of encouragement
suggest to church leadership to do something churchwide as an encouragementMoses needed Aaron and Hur in Exodus 17:10-13. Paul needed Barnabas, and your pastor needs you. Believe me you won't find a long waiting line.
