What actions can believers take to support faithful church leadership? A serious call from Jeremiah 23:2 “Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: ‘Because you have scattered My flock and driven them away and have not attended to them, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds,’ declares the LORD.” God plainly judges careless shepherds. When leaders go astray, sheep are scattered. To keep the flock gathered and thriving, believers actively undergird faithful shepherds. Every believer has a part • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 urges us to “acknowledge” and “esteem…very highly in love” those who labor among us. • Hebrews 13:17 ties our cooperation to their joy and to our own advantage. • Acts 20:28 reminds leaders that the flock is “purchased with His own blood,” and the congregation shares in that sacred stewardship. Practical ways to strengthen faithful leaders • Pray intentionally – 1 Timothy 2:1-2: intercede “for all who are in authority.” – Colossians 4:3: ask that doors open for the word. • Express sincere encouragement – A spoken “thank-you,” a written note, or a timely text keeps weary hands lifted (Proverbs 16:24). • Follow their godly lead – Hebrews 13:17: obedience that flows from trust, not blind loyalty. – 1 Corinthians 11:1: imitate them as they imitate Christ. • Share the workload – Romans 12:4-8: employ your gifts so pastors aren’t stretched thin. – Acts 6:1-4: servants freed the apostles to focus on prayer and the word. • Give materially and generously – Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18: honor includes financial support. – Philippians 4:15-19 shows God meets needs through giving saints. • Guard their reputation – 1 Timothy 5:19: refuse unverified accusations; speak truth in love. – Proverbs 17:4: don’t entertain gossip. • Uphold sound doctrine – Titus 1:9: rally around the trustworthy word; study alongside them like Bereans (Acts 17:11). • Stand with them in discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:1-7: loving correction protects the body and relieves leaders from acting alone. • Cultivate unity – Ephesians 4:3: maintain “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Murmuring drains leaders; peacemaking refreshes them. • Promote rest and renewal – Mark 6:31: even Jesus called His disciples aside to rest. Provide pulpit supply, encourage vacations, guard sabbath rhythms. • Prepare future shepherds – 2 Timothy 2:2: invest in reliable people who can teach others. – Exodus 18:21-23: shared leadership lightens the load and elongates ministry life. Blessings that flow back • Leaders serve “with joy and not with grief” (Hebrews 13:17). • The church grows “building itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). • God is glorified as a watching world sees a cared-for flock walking in unity (John 13:35). Faithful shepherds flourish when faithful sheep act. Everyone wins, and the Lord’s name is honored. |