How can church leaders today embody the call to "weep" for their congregation? The Biblical Call to Tears (Joel 2:17) “Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, ‘Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your inheritance a disgrace, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ” The Heart Behind God-Ordained Tears • Tears reveal a leader’s shared grief with God over sin and suffering (Jeremiah 9:1). • They prove genuine love for the flock—Paul “admonished each one with tears” (Acts 20:31). • Tears move the heart of God; He collects them “in Your bottle” (Psalm 56:8). • They embody Christ’s own compassion: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Roadblocks That Keep Leaders Dry-Eyed • Professional detachment—treating ministry like a job, not a burdened calling. • Fear of appearing weak or overly emotional. • Constant activity that crowds out unhurried prayer. • Subtle cynicism: “People never change, so why cry?” • Unconfessed personal sin that dulls spiritual sensitivity. Personal Practices That Invite Tearful Intercession • Carve out solitude specifically for lament—no agenda but listening and weeping. • Pray the lament Psalms aloud (e.g., Psalm 42; 130) until heart and text unite. • Keep a journal of congregational needs; reread names slowly before God. • Fast regularly; physical hunger often softens the heart to spiritual pain (Joel 1:14). • Visit hurting members in person—seeing real faces melts intellectual concern into tears. Corporate Rhythms That Foster a Weeping Culture • Schedule occasional solemn assemblies—worship focused on repentance and mercy. • Lead elders and staff in pre-service prayer that lingers until someone is moved to tears. • Incorporate confessional readings and songs of lament; model appropriate emotion publicly. • Invite testimonies of brokenness and restoration, reminding the body why tears are fitting. • Encourage small groups to spend an entire meeting interceding for prodigals by name. Guardrails for Holy Tears • Let Scripture, not sentiment, kindle emotion (2 Corinthians 7:10). • Keep tears God-ward—grieving sin first, circumstances second. • Balance lament with hope; “Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). • Reject manipulation; never manufacture emotion to move an audience. • Pair tears with tangible action—counseling, reconciliation efforts, generosity. Expected Fruit When Leaders Weep • Deeper trust from the congregation; people follow leaders who feel. • Heightened sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading in preaching and decision-making. • Congregational repentance and renewed holiness (2 Corinthians 2:4–7). • A culture where rejoicing and weeping “with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) coexist in healthy balance. • Fresh assurance that the Lord “is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). Closing Encouragement The same God who commanded priests to weep still honors leaders who humbly soak the altar with tears. Lean into His heart; let genuine sorrow flow, and watch Him spare, heal, and revive His people. |
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