Personal encouragement is sparked by encouraging others. More and more I am learning this lesson as I lead a local church and train new pastors within our denominational structure. These new pastors come from various educational levels and backgrounds, each called and gifted for ministry. Their passion is yet to be jaded by the struggle of long seasons of ministry. Helping them begin helps me continue.
This morning I received a link to a message preached by one of my current students requesting a review. Viewing the video prompted me to pray that the Lord would give me the words to encourage this gifted-yet-new communicator. I immediately noticed many things that needed improvement, but I was checked by the Holy Spirit. He reminded me that what I saw would be smoothed out with experience and increased comfortability. I was to keep quiet about those things. This new preacher needed encouragement to gain confidence in God’s calling and giftedness.
Shortly after reviewing this student’s message, I received a phone call from a different student who had been asked to take leadership of a struggling congregation before completing their educational requirements for ordination. This is increasingly taking place due to many unhealthy churches, unwanted by experienced pastors, and a lack of new individuals entering the ministry. Inexperienced pastors in struggling churches can be a recipe for disaster, but there was significant initial momentum in this case. The phone call I received was to give a praise report for all God is doing to revitalize this 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.
