This was written by a pastors wife, I'm just a copy and paster looking at both sides of the conversation about pastors.
Pastors have a very special calling on their lives, and they need to be appreciated, cherished and encouraged as much as possible. I read an article recently that stated that many pastors are retiring or changing careers these days, because it is such a challenging and difficult job. My husband is a pastor, so I truly know and understand the challenges that he faces on a regular basis. I know the crazy schedule that he keeps and the tireless hours he works on behalf of our church family. Jesus said that he came that we might have an abundant life (John 10:10), and I know that this is true for pastors as well. So here are my 7 top Bible verses to encourage my husband and all pastors.Isaiah 40:31 “…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
God is the one who has called each one of us with a special purpose and career, and pastors are no exception. I chose this verse to encourage pastors, because I believe that it is important for our shepherds to know that God has their back. He knows the sacrifices that they make selflessly for the body of Christ, and so it is the Lord who will renew their strength like the eagles. And even though they work hard, and run ahead leading the church, with God’s help they will not grow weary and will not faint.Jeremiah 3:15 “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
This is one of my top seven verses to encourage pastors, because the Lord is saying that it is He that is raising up and providing shepherds after his own heart. God is the one who has blessed and called pastors with the talents, skills, and heart that the Lord wants for his people. This verse also states that God is the one who gives shepherds and leaders the “food” for the sheep—in other words, He gives pastors the knowledge and understanding that they need to feed the sheep.1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
I believe that pastors get discouraged sometimes when things are tough or their sheep are struggling with various trials, so it is important for them to remember that they are working for the Lord. It is also helpful to focus on the fact that since their labor is for God, they do not work in vain. Although good seed is being planted, it can take time for the seeds to grow and thrive. It’s important for pastors to hold fast to the hope they have in the Lord, knowing that in Him, good will win out in the end. Disappointments and challenges will come, but the Lord encourages all of us, including pastors, to be steadfast and immovable no matter what.Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
This is a great verse to use in encouraging pastors, because it reminds them that their work is for a greater and eternal purpose. The Lord will give a harvest if they do not give up. Colossians 3:23-24 goes along with this verse, as the apostle Paul states, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” In other words, God will reward preachers and shepherds for their work, and there will be a harvest—both in their own lives and in the lives of their sheep. It’s easy to lose sight of the goodness of God while in the midst of daily tasks and weekly commitments, but God does everything to produce more of His goodness here on the earth. The work of a pastor is surely one of those avenues that brings glory to God.
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”I really like this verse, because the Lord is telling all of us, including pastors, that He will supply all of our needs. Financial and spiritual challenges are quite common in churches, and it is easy to get discouraged when God’s timing for provision is different than ours. However, in His infinite abundance, God will provide for our every need according to His riches in glory. It is impossible to even imagine what God’s riches in glory entails, but this verse makes it very clear that he will provide for his people.I Timothy 5:18 “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’”
Pastors labor continuously for the Kingdom of God, and they are deserving of their wages. Over the years, there has often been controversy surrounding a preacher’s pay, but in this verse the Lord clearly states that a laborer is worthy of his paycheck. An ox is a hard working animal, and this verse explains that it deserves to eat some of the fruit of its labor. Likewise, a pastor deserves to receive payment for his labor as well. Like a Father, God loves to bless His children, and He yearns for those children He has called to be pastors to thrive and succeed in their finances as much as anyone else. Not only are they providing a very real service for their local body of believers and community, they are also providing spiritual nourishment and encouragement with eternal consequences.Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
In the book of Ephesians 4:11, the Lord explains that he is the one who has called us to be either apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers and shepherds or pastors in his Kingdom. So I feel that this verse in Hebrews is very encouraging, because the author is reminding the sheep that they should submit to their leaders in obedience and joy. God wants our leaders to enjoy their work, as this calling is very important to the body of Christ.CONCLUSION:
Pastors are such a blessing to the church and to the Kingdom of God, and we need to pray for them and encourage them at every opportunity. Their job may seem thankless and even overwhelming sometimes, so lifting them up with words of encouragement, a note, or a small gift will go a long way in their lives. I would like to challenge you to pray about how you can encourage your pastor today, as one small act of kindness will go a long way in enhancing his or her joy and stamina on behalf of the body of Christ.Written by Karla Hawkins
I feel blessed to be the pastor’s wife of a thriving church in northern Michigan and the mother of four amazing grown children. It is also very rewarding to be a Christian author, editor and translator for the Kingdom of God. Some of my favorite pastimes include supporting my children’s contemporary Christian band ONLY9AM, singing on the worship team at church, traveling, and connecting with family and friends via social media. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and especially with my precious three-year-old grandson.
