What kind of impact does your pastor’s influence have on your church, your community, your family? On you?

Sadly, many pastors are leaving their churches because they feel discouraged and sometimes unappreciated. Or they believe they’re inadequate because they’ve lost the ability to influence the hearts of their congregation for God’s purpose and glory.

Imagine the difference it would make if we let them know how much we appreciate their faithful service.

If each of us, especially during October, Pastor Appreciation Month, took a moment to thank our pastors and their families for all they do, it would go a long way in encouraging them. Imagine how meaningful it would be if we sent a text, email or letter this month and periodically throughout the year.

One of the best ways to show our pastors we appreciate them is to tell them we’re praying for them – and then actually do it.

Our pastors need our prayers.

Like us, they need discernment to lead their families, encouragement when they feel emotionally beaten up and wisdom about their finances.

Our ministers often feel lonely. They long for close friends with whom they can honestly share their struggles without risking their credibility as a spiritual leader. We can pray that God will send them an encourager, like Barnabas was to the apostle Paul (Acts 9:27).

Let’s pray that our pastors never forget how deeply God loves them and that they experience His love, grace, and mercy every day. Amid everything happening at home, in their church, and in their community, ask God to give them faith to trust their powerful, wise, and loving Heavenly Father with all of it.

Pray that our spiritual leaders will be “filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9 ESV). Then they’ll be better equipped to receive the direction and discernment they need to counsel married couples and single parents, comfort the grieving and advise those in difficult circumstances.

Since the enemy would love to trip up our pastors, intercede for them to hold on to the very Word of God that has kept their faith strong. Ask God to help them continue standing against wickedness and never lose sight of what’s important. That as they cling to God’s Word, they’ll never compromise their convictions or water down the gospel in order to increase church attendance.

Our pastors play an integral role in our communities. They carry a huge spiritual weight. Consider how much greater this weight would be if we didn’t intercede for them.

So let’s pray for our pastors. Often.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• What kind of impact does your pastor’s influence have on your church, your community, your family?
• On you?
• What is your prayer for your pastor?

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