These are unusual days for everyone and unique days to serve in a church. Over the last few weeks I have spent a great deal of time talking and praying with pastors who are doing their best, under God, to lead their churches through this crisis time. While these faithful pastors are working to help God’s people, we should also be thinking about how God’s people can help God’s pastors. Remember, we are all in this together!

1. Be prayerful. The most effective use of our words is always in talking to the One who can do something about it! In Hebrews 13 we are encouraged to “remember…follow…obey…and submit” to spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17). However, one of the most overlooked requests in the passage is the key to all of the others: “Pray for us” (Hebrews 13:18). If ever there was a time to intercede for your pastor and help to carry the load in prayer, it is now.
2. Be patient. Every under shepherd is being called upon to make difficult decisions. The shepherd’s job is to look out for the entire flock – and sheep often go in different directions! Know that we do not always have all of the information and give your pastor room to make decisions as God gives him definite direction.
3. Be positive. There are enough naysayers in the world, people who focus on the negative and can only tell you what they do not like. By God’s grace, don’t be that person! Speak a good word and ask the Lord to make you an encourager.
4. Be a participant. Over the last couple of months church members have been limited in their involvement. We must guard against becoming disconnected. Now is the time for faithful Christians to take their place alongside the pastor and do their part to help the church move forward. Be more than a spectator.

Write your pastor an encouraging note this week. Do something nice for his family or send a kind text message. You never know how God may use you to help both him and the entire church.