Encouraging our Spiritual Leaders Part 2

Last week, I talked about some of the major obstacles faced by our spiritual leaders, like pastors and reverends. The study I cited indicated that eighty percent of our spiritual leaders feel guilty about taking time off, even after working a fifty hour work week and fifteen percent of them can not identify a close friend in the church. Have you ever asked yourself “what can I do to be an ongoing source of encouragement to my spiritual leader?” I talked last week about the importance of letting our leaders know specifically how they are helping us grow spiritually.

Here are some more ideas. Find out what forms of encouragement your leader prefers. Like all of us, your leader will have different perceptions on what demonstrates love and care. For example, some people thrive on words of encouragement. In that case a thoughtful card or email may be appropriate. Other people may prefer an all expenses paid conference, an invitation to go fishing or golfing, a gift certificate from the local Christian book store or a gift card to take their spouse out for dinner. Find out what your leader considers revitalizing and do it.

Secondly, remember when socializing with your leader to keep social situations social. Try to stay away from church business or deeply theological topics. Ask them about their family, their favorite teams or about unique ways that God has blessed them.
Be prepared to share in the same way from your own life. Such topics are relationship builders and encourage mutual sharing.

Thirdly, watch your timing. Immediately after the sermon or worship service is not the time to bring burning issues or concerns to your leader’s attention. Remember, communication whether it is leading worship, preaching a sermon or doing a public presentation uses a lot of energy and leaves your leader tired. So, save the pressing issues and growth feedback for time deliberately set aside for those purposes. If no forms of feedback formally exist, you may want to book an appointment.

Finally, pray for your leader and their family. But don’t just pray for the areas of their life that need improvement. Pray for their welfare, health, relationships and finances. Remember that the leader’s family, especially the children may feel like they are living a fish bowl existence. Pray that those closest to them and those that they lead will extend an abundance of grace, mercy and compassion to them through all of their struggles and growth areas. Also be open to ways God may direct you to do specific things to help your leader’s family out, like child sitting, cooking a meal or helping with packing during a move.

Your leader faces daily challenges that are common to all of us. Let them know through your attitude, words, and behavior that you are on their side ready to encourage them.

- Terry Harris

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was two years old, Terry Harris in the opinion of many experts within the medical and education professions, would never walk, talk, read, write or go to a regular school. It was recommended to his parents that he beplaced in an institution. In 1995 Terry graduated from Brock University with a B.A. in English Literature and obtained a degree in marriage and family therapy in 1999 from Tyndale Seminary.