Keep Your Church Staff Encouraged
Good Morning,
This message is really for a future generation or churches other than our own. I feel that our members do much of this, and for that reason, we probably have the church we enjoy today. But for those who read these lessons around the country, and for those who will be future leaders in our church, I offer some quick thoughts.
2 Chronicles 31:4 “Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.”
vs. 5 “And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.”
This verse is about a revival headed up by King Hezekiah. He did some serious realigning of the nation. He got people to start giving the offerings that were required by the law again, and then this passage was written:
vs. 4 “Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.”
Most of the livelihood of Old Testament priests was supported by the offerings of the people. Hezekiah commanded the people to give enough that the priests and their families would love serving the Lord.
I have heard some inner city pastors criticized for their nice cars while their members lived in poverty. I can somewhat understand the criticism, but not many of those critics would wish to minister in ghettos. I am sure abuse of the financial situation in many ministries is present, but probably more in the mega churches and television evangelists than the pastor in a poor inner-city church.
A good pastor and his family pours their heart and soul into the ministry, and there is no end of obstacles the devil will throws at them to discourage and defeat them. The fiery darts are emotional, financial, and physical, but also includes a lack of cooperation from their people.
I am very close to a pastor right now who is near to leaving his church because no one will help. The bills are paid, attendance is reasonable, and some folks get saved now and then (most often the pastor's visitors). The membership will not help with Vacation Bible School, passing out fliers or soul winning, cleaning the buildings, or anything else. The pastor and his family do it all. Those church people have no idea of the quality of man they are about to lose.
When members simply stay home, it discourages the pastor. When finances are down, it is difficult for the pastor and his wife to stay on top. Thoughtful giving even in little things helps keep the pastor and his family fighting the battle. "... that they might be encouraged…" (31:4)
Anyone knows that a note and a gift card to a coffee shop is uplifting. That kindness works for your spouse, your teenager, your child's teacher, or your employee. Gifts make a difference. Keeping the bills paid is even more encouraging. Notice the word God chose to describe the generosity of the people:
vs. 5 "...the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly."
I know a pastor, an amazing pastor, who left a church simply because the people would not accept tithing. The bills were paid, but the point was not bills but obedience. After moving from that little church to another smaller church, the new church grew to several thousand in attendance. The first group missed the incredible blessing because they did not want to join the pastor and obey God.
I know another pastor who is open to moving any time; he is a man I would trust to fill my pulpit if I retired. He is also discouraged because the people will not join him in seeking the lost. Whether it be the bus ministry, soul winning, or anything that has to do with reaching out to the lost, it seems his members are uninterested.
Many churches cannot keep a good pastor because they want church to be a "spectator sport" when it is a participant-based work. We have had lean times financially, but our people have always seemed to be interested in the Lord's WORK. Likewise, they have been good to my wife and family.
Now, let us look at verses that too many of us drift through without thought in the book of Numbers.
Numbers 18:9 “...and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons.”
vs. 12 “All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.”
This verse refers to personal gifts to the staff.
Then God explains that everyone in the priest’s house shall enjoy these good things.
vs. 13 “And whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto the LORD, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house shall eat of it.”
vs. 14 “Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.”
If you want to keep your pastor, you need to encourage him and his family; money is part of the equation, but joining in service is another part. You chose him as your leader. Unless he is doing something against the Bible, join in his vision. Spoil the pastor's wife, and be good to the church staff, from secretaries to school teachers and coaches. Do little things for bus drivers, nursery workers, and musicians. It is in our hands to keep our church leaders encouraged. If we do not care, why should the Lord care? There is a great shortage of pastors in America, perhaps it is our own fault.
If you want a solid, stable church, be on the team, be a part of the ministry, be good to the folks doing the hardest jobs, and keep one another encouraged.
God said it, 2 Chronicles 31:4 “...give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.”
Pastor