Mission Venture Ministries

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13) 

When Christ ascended to heaven, He gave gifts to the Church and one of those five gifts was the position of a pastor. 

Pastors have unique work to do since their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do God’s work and build up the church, the body of Christ so that we will be mature in the Lord (Ephesians 4:12-15). They have the task of keeping the Church unified and grounded in the truth. 

They are self-sacrificial since an unduly large portion of their time is spent ministering to others, since a pastor’s calling that doesn’t end with the close of the Sunday service. 

Pastors are also shepherds, not only do shepherds tend to the flock, but they also protect the flock from danger. They lead and guide us as best they are able even though we don’t always make it easy for them. Let’s be mindful that they’re only doing what God has called them to do! “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). 

“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). 

A true pastor is chosen and called by God; otherwise, he is just like you and me. He has a family, and good and bad days, just as we do. He is not perfect, and neither are his children. Pastors are people, and that means they are capable of messing up, just as we are. Too often, neither they nor their children receive the same degree of grace we may extend to other believers. When a pastor fails, even in the smallest matter, he may come under some very harsh judgment. But it’s always easy to judge someone else’s sin, when it isn’t ours that has been exposed. We need to remember that there is only one perfect Shepherd, and His name is Jesus. 

Pastors and their families are often the biggest victims of gossip and slander among the congregation. Their integrity and motives may be unfairly questioned, and they are vulnerable to all manner of accusation. Their personal lives, how they live or spend their money may be wrongly the subject of discussion and criticism. Their words may be twisted and used against them. They are too easily being told how they should be “leading the church” and this by some of the very same people who refuse to offer them any help. People are quicker to pass judgment on a pastor than they are to pray for him. Pastors and their families are unfairly held to higher standards than everyone else; sometimes they are put on a pedestal, which can only set them up to fail. 

Pastors like us need people who will cover them and their families with prayers. They need trusted friends, too, with whom they can be vulnerable, and who will help keep them accountable. 

The apostle Paul asked the churches to pray for him and other leaders. He requested prayers that he and they might keep a clear conscience and remain honorable in all things (Hebrews 13:18). Even if we’re unsure what to pray for regarding our pastors and other leaders, we can never go wrong by praying Scripture. 

True pastors are among the most self-sacrificial and hardest-working people, but at times they receive the least honor from those they serve. We see their smiles during Sunday service, and we assume all is well, but we don’t truly know the battles they face. We don’t see the family problems, the wounds of betrayal, the sleepless nights, or the tears shed over the congregation. So, let’s let our pastors know that they are loved and appreciated, and that their labor of love is not in vain. They may feel unappreciated at times, but few of us would ever even know that. Even before the day is over, our pastors are already preparing their next sermon, church service, outreach, conference, or anything else our God has asked of them. 

Let’s bless our pastors, in any way our God leads us to. Our blessings on them may be monetary, or it may involve sharing a meal, or giving them a card expressing our appreciation. 

Pastors rarely ask their congregations for much, if anything. And yet, I’m sure of this one thing, our prayers for them will always be desired and appreciated. 

If we want to see our churches prosper, let’s pray for our pastor. And if we want to see our pastors protected, blessed, and continuing to fulfill their callings, let’s pray for them. Let’s do this even if they never know we’re doing it. I assure you that prayers can be felt and answers will become evident when they come to pass. 

Our Father, thank You for the gift of pastors, bless them; grant them every success in the ministry to which You have called them. Protect them, heal their wounds, renew their strength, give them wisdom and discernment in every area of their life and protect their homes and families. Amen.   

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