In the midst of going, going, going, doing, doing, doing, and serving, serving, serving – once in a while a special kind of person will step out to ask how “I” am doing. How I’m holding up. Could they help more? What could they do to support? How could they PRAY better for their pastor?
So I’m going to answer that question. Actually, I’m going to use ANOTHER pastor’s answer… just pass on some good teaching to help all of us support our spiritual leadership a little better.
On his blog (see the link at the bottom for more details), Perry Noble lists out the 5 best ways we can be praying for our pastor. IF… no actually WHEN God lays it on your heart to pray for your pastor (whoever he/she is), here’s a great place to start.
#1 – His Walk With God – Pray that his relationship with Jesus isn’t one out of obligation…but of OBSESSION for HIM!!! It is VERY tempting for a pastor to read the Bible for sermon prep and NOT to know Jesus. Pray that His relationship with Jesus will be FRESH and that he will be filled with vision and passion like never before.
#2 – His Integrity – It takes YEARS to establish integrity…and it can be destroyed in seconds. Pray for your pastor to keep his eyes on Jesus and OFF of anything that might lead him astray!!!
#3 – His Marriage – Pray that your pastor just doesn’t preach about a healthy marriage…but LIVES it out. I promise you the enemy comes STRONG after his marriage…and his kids!!! Lift up his wife and children by name as well!!!
#4 – His Sanity – He deals with critics, he deals with unrealistic expectations, he deals with accusations, he deals with pressure that is intense. Pray that he will keep his sanity. I recently heard of a survey that said only 10% of the men entering the ministry actually retire…the others either get disqualified OR drop out! That is a 90% failure rate!!! THE STAKES ARE HIGH!!!
#5 – His Health – I was in a meeting of pastors a few years ago…everyone of us were leading large churches…everyone of us were under 35…and over HALF of the men in the room (remember, we were under 35) had been hospitalized in the past two years because of serious medical problems (most likely brought on by stress and anxiety!) Good health is so vital for ministry…and I can promise you that physical, emotional and spiritual health do not just “happen!” Do not assume that just because your pastor is young that he is healthy…lift him up.
So – if you want read more into Perry’s thoughts on praying for your pastor… check out this link: http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/11/30/pray-for-your-pastor/
JJ
