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All believers should consider how they can encourage their pastors. A pastor friend of ours recently told us that if he has just 1 great encourager in his congregation of 100 he is lucky and when there isn't one it's tough. Wouldn't it be amazing if there was a church full of great encouragers to help keep the arms of all the pastors and leaders at churches lifted up while they are doing God's work. 

Here are a few super basic ways to help encourage your pastor:

1. Listen to his teaching: 

Don't be the guy whose asleep in the pew in the back. I know there are good reasons people are tired and it's a victory to make it church some days even when you are tired. Some people work crazy hours. Some new moms haven't slept in weeks. Being attentive, taking notes and having positive feedback for your pastor can be so encouraging. You can't have genuine feedback if you aren't listening. I know it's tough sometimes because you are just thinking about where you are going to go to lunch, but that's where taking notes comes in. If you are taking actual notes of the lesson, then you may be less likely to write a note to your spouse asking where they want to go to lunch! 

2. Be a biblical Christian: 

Knowing God's Word and doing it is the greatest blessing for pastors. It's not just youth pastors that want you to read your bible and pray everyday. Get your fundamentals down and then move on to the meat of God's Word. Cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in your life. Walk in a manner worthy of the calling. It will bless and encourage your pastor beyond measure. 

3. Love the body: 

I once heard it said that you can't love God and not love His bride. The man said I may really like someone, but if they don't like my wife, we aren't going to be great friends. And so it is with Christians. If you can't bring yourself to love the body of Christ with all it's flaws and imperfections then you are struggling with loving God well. Be kind and generous. How encouraging to pastors to see a well loved body.

4. Be a peacemaker: 

Divisiveness and backbiting is one of the most discouraging aspects of leadership pastors deal with on a regular basis. Between counseling and basic mediation among people there is so much added work when there are fewer peacemakers in the congregation. I strongly recommend all believers read The Peacemaker by Ken Sande not only for your own personal gain and sanctification, but to take the load off the pastors who are going to have to counsel you if you have no biblical conflict resolution skills. 

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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries.

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