How to Support Your Pastor

According to psychologist Richard Blackmon, about 75 percent of pastors go through a period of stress that makes them consider quitting the ministry and about 35 to 40 percent actually do. Help your pastor pass through this test with flying colors. Uplift him, relieve some of the pressure and keep him in the pulpit until the Lord calls him home. Just:

Attend.
Think your pastor doesn't notice when attendance low? Like a concert musician, even he doesn't want to show up to a sparse crowd. Support your pastor by going to church on Sunday and for Bible Study. This simple act can give him the fuel he needs to give that up-beat, firry sermon you want to hear.

Pay tithes.
Tithes are 10 percent of the amount of the money you bring in through your paycheck. Galatians 6:6, along with other biblical scriptures, talk about giving money in this way to the leaders of the church. Give your tithes to yours and keep your pastor in a home, the lights and heat on in your place of worship and your charitable programs afloat. All of these things will encourage one of the few people in your life who actually cares about you and your spirit.

Give your gift.
What is your gift? Support your pastor by bringing this talent to the church through volunteerism. Work with children, clean the bathrooms, and/or feed the homeless. Do something to show your pastor (and God) that you believe through action and want to do activities that attract new members as well as maintain current ones.

Be constructive.
Don't treat your pastor like he's a whipping bag. Despite his position, even he has limitations on what he can and cannot do. For this reason, when you have a problem with the way an event was conducted, only say something when your criticism is constructive. Then, be ready to do something toward the solution since you're the one who has the problem.

Refuse to gossip.
Church gossip is one of the easiest ways to tear down a person's reputation because so many people assume that Christians know and tell the truth. Support your pastor by learning to close your mouth. Refuse to pass on ugly rumors about the church, your pastor, his family or any members. Walk in true love and believe the best of everyone.

These are five ways to give the man of God an extra lift. Do them and see him grow and your congregation flourish.

Source: Mentoring Your Pastor