Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
–1 Timothy 5:17-18
It seems like every week I hear about a minister who has burned out, wiped out, and has shipwrecked his faith. I’ve even had personal friends in ministry who one day just threw in the towel and decided they were done. It’s a sad but very real problem today.
When I think about this epidemic, I really see one reason behind it: Many ministers simply aren’t being encouraged and loved by the people they serve. They’re seen as a business, and the churchgoers are the customers who come on Sunday to consume and then pay whatever they think it cost them for their seat.
But that’s not how the body of Christ was meant to function. When it comes to church staff, it’s not ‘us’ and ‘them.’ It’s one body! We’re called to minister to and encourage one another in the faith. That’s the point of coming together!
So what can you do to build up today’s Christian leaders? Well, you can start by simply encouraging the ministers at your church. Maybe it’s a quick email or note today that says, “Thank you for serving.” Encourage those who serve in ministry and you’ll help build the strong Christian leaders our world needs!
HELP BUILD UP THE STRONG CHRISTIAN LEADERS OUR WORLD NEEDS BY BEING AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THOSE WHO SERVE IN MINISTRY
