Being a pastor is a high calling, yet pastors often face loneliness and discouragement. Surprisingly, some surveys reveal that up to 80% of pastors face regular discouragement in ministry. If that statistic is even remotely reflects reality, then your pastor probably needs your encouragement.
I’m convinced that we all need encouragement right now with all the challenges were facing in the world. Covid, inflation, war.
If your pastor needs encouragement should you offer it to him or should they just suck it up? If you do want to encourage them, what’s the best way to do it?
Hebrews 13:17 speaks to this need. Here the writer says, “Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow.”
In a survey of hundreds of pastors here is how they said people in their church could encourage them. These are the top six ways.
1. You showed me tangible appreciation such as small gifts like a gift card to a coffee shop.
2. You let me know that I spiritually impacted your life such as sending an email to him about a recent message that helped you grow.
3. You prayed for me by sending a note letting me know you prayed for me.
4. You accepted and understood me, cared for me, and were there when I needed you.
5. You supported my leadership, defended me, and trusted me.
6. You ministered to me spouse and my family like remembering my kids on their birthday.
The pastors who responded to this survey shared many touching stories as well as sad ones. One pastor even wrote that he wasn’t sure anybody really cared about him.
If you’re a pastor, hopefully sharing this statistic with your church in an appropriate way open the door for the encouragement.
