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 all that 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.
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.
Churches should seek to honor their pastor and take care of him and his family. Just this week I read again 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 says, “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.”
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.”
Praise God for preachers!
On September 3-5 I am co-hosting a special gathering of preachers for the purpose of encouragement. If you are a preacher we would like you and your wife to join us. You may watch a 90 second video about the meeting here. If you know a preacher who would be blessed by a time of fellowship and refreshing please help to get them there. Visit thepreachersrest.com for full information or to register.
