I’m really starting to learn the value and importance (for myself and others) to spend a good portion of my week with our leaders. When I sit inside my office for hours, sometimes days at a time…I start to think that everyone must be feeling and experiencing what I’m feeling and experiencing. And then, I have a lunch or a a coffee-meeting with one of my leaders…and I realize just how valuable that time is.
I would encourage pastors with these thoughts:
1) Your leaders know more than you think they know - I’m learning that I’m not the only guy that has a heart for God, for our church, and for the lost (what a revelation!). The more I hang with the leaders in our church, the more I hear the hearts of intercession that they have for those around them. It’s enlightening to say the least. These are the ones who are on the front lines loving, grieving, encouraging, crying, bleeding, sweating, and caring for the church and the lost. Don’t underestimate the fact that God speaks to other people aside from us (newsflash!).
2) Your leaders need your vision to drip into them - Whether or not they show it or say it or not, it’s like gasoline to their soul when they can see you sitting across from a table pouring your soul out. They need to know that your life is well beyond Sundays. To just assume that they know that…it’s vital for them to see your heart, your thoughts, and your hopes.
3) Pastors need to learn to move from Pastor Shepherd to Pastor Leader - This doesn’t mean that we stop caring for our people. If anything, this adjustment means that we deeply care for our people. It’s not about having our hands in every relationship, friendship, ministry team, etc. It’s about empowering others - whom you have been investing into - to carry out the task of raising other leaders. Making disciples is about replication. This can’t happen if you are busy being a CEO of your church in your office writing on a white board all day. As pastors, we must break away and empower our leaders to lead.
4) Your leaders need you to be their intercessor - The term intercessor sounds so intense. But, it’s what we are called to be. I heard someone say that when you have a child, you (the father or mother) immediately become their primary intercessor. This is the same for our church. When’s the last time you fasted on behalf of your church leadership? When’s the last time you really prayed for their lives at home, at work, and in your church? The enemy is salivating at the thought of attacking them. What are you (and I) doing to protect them…to empower them…to bless them? When this begins to happen, I guarantee you that your will desire longer and more focused intercession on their behalf. And, you will see the fruit of your prayers.
Be encouragedl my friends. You are not alone. God has strategically and purposely placed men and women to walk alongside you in this messy journey called faith. Utilize them!
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