Thank God for Pastors

Thank the Lord for faithful preachers of God’s Word. We need them more than ever, and we need more of them! As I travel, my appreciation for the Lord’s servants grows. Most pastors are not well known; many are carrying a load no one knows about. They are shepherds.

I am an evangelist, but I am trying to help pastors as much as I can. Anyone can come through town and preach a few sermons. It is the faithful pastor feeding the flock that keeps the church strong. Like the Good Shepherd, the pastor stays with the sheep to guide and protect them.

The Reality of Bi-Vocational Pastors

Preachers often serve in sacrificial ways that are not considered. For many years, my dad served as a bi-vocational pastor. I have met a number of men who are doing so, not because they want to make money but in order to do what God has called them to do. The Apostle Paul did that very thing.

Bi-vocational ministry is really a misnomer. Every preacher worth his salt is full-time. Some just have more than one full-time job! There is no shame in this. In fact, such men should be respected and encouraged. (Read more about a Biblical view of work HERE.)

Honor Your Pastor

Churches should seek to honor their pastor and take care of him and his family. Recently, I read the Lord’s admonition to a local church:

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

1 Timothy 5:17 instructs, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”

Or consider Hebrews 13:7, 17:

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation…Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable to you.”

Encourage Your Pastor

Would you take time this week to encourage a preacher? Begin with your own pastor! Minister to a minister. This is what is meant by the words of Galatians 6:6, “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”

Ministers are real people with real needs. They live every day on an active battlefield, and the enemy hates what they are doing. The fight is on, and we can have a part! “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30).

*(Click HERE for a page that provides resources for preachers.)

Pray for a Pastor

Every believer will not be a pastor, but every one of us can pray for a pastor! Would you stop right now and pray?

• Pray for your pastor. Sheep should have a special love for their own shepherd. If you have a pastor who leads you to the Lord and feeds you God’s Word – thank God for him! And pray. Pray for him and for his family today. You will never know all he is dealing with and may never know how your prayers are needed, but your intercession may make all the difference.
• Pray for other preachers that God has put in your path. The Lord may bring a minister to your mind from time to time. Take that as a prompting from God to pray. If an evangelist or Bible preacher has been a help to you, ask God to help them. Pray specifically for missionaries who have been sent out to preach the gospel around the world. You can be involved in their labor and God’s work from your place of prayer.

It is my conviction that as we have better pray-ers we will have better preachers. Many of you pray faithfully for us, and we thank God for each of you. May the Lord help us all today to engage in the greatest work, the work of prayer. “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 1:11).

*Click HERE to download a Bible prayer list to use as you pray for the preacher.

Calling Young Preachers!

If ever there was a time for preachers to preach God’s Word, it is now! More people are alive today than ever before. There is a great need for preachers who will faithfully proclaim the truth. In a world of chaos, we need the foundation of God’s Word; amid the misery, we need the joy that the Good News brings. The continuance of truth from generation to generation is only possible if two things happen: The older generation is obedient to pass it on (2 Timothy 2:2), and the younger generation is open to receiving it (Proverbs 19:20).

For this reason, we are thrilled to conduct our FOURTH Enjoying the Journey Young Preachers Summit. This meeting will provide a wonderful opportunity for young preachers, or those praying about the ministry, to glean wisdom from Scott Pauley and several seasoned pastors. This meeting also provides an opportunity for fathers, youth pastors, mentors, or pastors who are investing in a young preacher to receive practical advice and biblical counsel. Pouring into those who uphold the truth is a worthy investment.

*These meetings take place in various locations and at select times! CLICK HERE to register for our upcoming summit in Groton, CT. (Space is limited. Every person attending must register.)