One of the best things you can do for your pastor is pray for him. The Apostle Paul, greatest church planter of all time and renowned laborer in the gospel, did not accomplish ministry in his own strength. Following his challenge to put on the armor of God, he encourages believers to pray, “At all times . . . with all prayer and supplication . . . with all perseverance . . . for all the saints . . . and also for me . . . boldly to proclaim . . . that I may declare it boldly”(Ephesians 6:18-20). This is an intense request. In 1 Thessalonians 5:25, he begins by addressing them directly, as though to capture their attention for the words that follow: “Brothers, pray for us.” In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Paul writes, “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men.”
Satan wants to defeat God’s plan for this age, the local church. If he can destroy a pastor, he accomplishes much toward that goal. Sadly, some pastors fall into serious sin; and until their sin is dealt with, their church may suffer consequences. Pray for your pastor’s relationship with God to remain strong. Some pastors’ ministries are stifled because of a desire to keep everyone happy, so pray that your pastor has courage and ability to teach all truth, not only what people want to hear. Some pastors’ ministries are hindered by lack of an evangelistic perspective, so pray that your pastor has the grace and burden to share the gospel. Some ministries are weakened because of trouble in the home, so pray for your pastor’s wife and family. Some ministries are attacked by those who have an inaccurate view of their own spirituality or who consider themselves experts in what the pastor should be doing and how. Soon their mission is to encourage criticism of the pastor; so pray for strength for your pastor. In this situation, you have another responsibility, as well: stay away from these people. Titus 3:10-11 instructs, “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”
Some pastors’ ministries are not blessed by God because their motives–fame, money, popularity–are unholy; so pray for your pastor’s heart and treat him generously. 1 Timothy 5:17-18 is a direct challenge by Paul to those who sit under a godly pastor’s preaching: “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. . . . The laborer deserves his wages.” Honor the pastor who is faithful in his communication of truth by blessing him materially and by respecting him.
Sometime this month, thank your pastor for his ministry. Always, pray for him and appreciate him.
–final in a series of three