Personal encouragement is often sparked by the act of encouraging others, and a sustainable momentum of encouragement becomes evident as I lead my local church and train new pastors within our denominational structure.
This morning, I received a link to a sermon preached by one of my current students who requested a review. While viewing the video, I prayed that the Lord would give me the words to uplift this gifted yet emerging communicator. Although I immediately noticed several areas for improvement, I felt checked by the Holy Spirit. He reminded me that these technicalities would be smoothed out with experience and increased comfort; my primary role was to provide the encouragement necessary for this preacher to gain confidence in God’s calling.
Shortly after, I received a call from another student asked to lead a struggling congregation before completing their ordination requirements. This situation is increasingly common due to the number of unhealthy churches and a shortage of new individuals entering the ministry. While placing inexperienced pastors in difficult environments can be a recipe for disaster, there was significant initial momentum in this case. The purpose of the call was to share a praise report of how God is actively revitalizing that church.
These two encounters had a distinct impact on how I view the current state of my ministry. Each student stated that I have greatly encouraged them, and they appreciate our relationship. The strange thing is, I have been discouraged.
My church is struggling with many of the typical issues we all face, but I have not handled some of them well. At the same time, I have sought to be an encourager for those entering the ministry. I live in the frustration of pastoral ministry, knowing full well what is ahead for my students. They need encouragement, and I want to give it.
Wanting to be an encourager, yet being discouraged, required me to make a choice. I chose to live in the attitude of Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds” (NIV). Though discouraged, I aimed to obey these life-giving words of Scripture. The challenging context of ministry requires us to step forward and show loving concern for our fellow pastors. As a family member told me, “Put on your big boy pants and meet your responsibilities.” For these two students, I needed to “put on my big boy pants” and speak words of encouragement.
It is a very tired marketing strategy to build your brand, not the church, and it will lead you to either be discouraged or prideful. Either way, it’s a dead end. Instead, we should be encouragers, not competitors. If we do, we may recapture the joy of serving Jesus amid brokenness.
My two students have reminded me I can be an encourager even when I am not at my best. Knowing that I have encouraged them makes me think that perhaps my situation is better than I think it is. Maybe I am right where the Lord wants me, and maybe you are as well. Now, go and make an encouraging connection. You might gain momentum.
