Support your pastor
By Mark Lubbock
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
––1 Timothy 5:17
United Methodist Men have a rich mandate that calls us to help grow spiritually strong men. We are also asked to strengthen the local church.
Our Book of Discipline says in part: “. . . UMM exists to declare the centrality of Christ in every man’s life. Men’s ministry leads to the spiritual growth of men and effective discipleship. This purpose is served as men are called to model the servant leadership of Jesus Christ.”
As part of our “servant leadership” we are called to provide emotional, physical and spiritual support for our pastors.
Here are a few ways you can serve the shepherds God places over your congregation:
Form a prayer team––Recruit men who will individually be in prayer for the pastor and his/her family. Pray for your pastor’s protection, encouragement, renewal, and strength to execute God’s mission for your church. Check to see if your pastor would appreciate a small group of men who pray with him or her prior to a worship service. For help in forming a team, visit here.
Provide expressions of appreciation––Your pastor will appreciate handwritten notes of appreciation and encouragement. Consider purchasing gift cards to a movie, dinner out for the family and even a weekend getaway at a bed ‘n breakfast.
Offer a leadership-training opportunity––Offer to bring in leaders who can provide Lead like Jesus or Understanding Men’s Ministry training for your church. This world-class training will develop Godly leaders.
See additional ways to support your pastor here.
I’m sure you will come up with many of your own suggestions. Please share your ideas with me.
Mark Lubbock is a certified men’s ministry specialist and a deployed staff member of the General Commission on UM Men