In what ways can we support our church leaders facing overwhelming tasks? The weight Moses felt—Numbers 11:14 “I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me.” Moses voices what many pastors and elders still feel: the load is heavy, the expectations endless, and the strength of one person insufficient. Scripture shows God’s answer was shared leadership (Numbers 11:16-17). That same pattern still blesses the church today. Recognizing the modern parallel • Church leaders shepherd souls (Hebrews 13:17), preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2), guard doctrine (Titus 1:9), and care for practical needs (Acts 20:28). • Just as Moses couldn’t “carry all these people,” no pastor can meet every demand alone. Practical ways to lift the load • Pray intentionally – “Brothers, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). – Name specific needs: family, sermon preparation, counseling burdens, spiritual protection. • Speak life and encouragement – “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). – A brief note, text, or hallway comment can refuel a weary heart. • Share the practical tasks – “Choose seven men… and we will turn this responsibility over to them” (Acts 6:3-4). – Volunteer for children’s ministry, facility care, hospitality, tech—whatever lightens the administrative load so leaders can focus on prayer and the Word. • Hold up their arms in crisis – Aaron and Hur “held his hands up” when Moses tired (Exodus 17:12). – Step in especially during illness, funerals, intense counseling seasons, or major outreach events. • Protect their margin and rest – Jesus said, “Come with Me by yourselves to a secluded place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). – Encourage sabbaticals, respect their day off, and resist the urge to treat them as always on call for non-emergencies. • Give generously – “The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17-18). – Consistent tithes and designated gifts free leaders from financial stress and fund additional staff or resources. • Offer skilled expertise – Legal, financial, counseling, IT, and maintenance skills supplied by members guard leaders from having to be experts in everything. – Exodus 36:2 shows craftsmen stepping up so Moses didn’t have to build the tabernacle himself. • Provide godly accountability – “Two are better than one… if one falls, the other will lift him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). – Encourage healthy elder teams, peer mentors, and transparent evaluation processes. • Honor and obey biblical leadership – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls… so that their work will be a joy, not a burden” (Hebrews 13:17). – Gracious cooperation lifts an invisible weight. Encouragement to act today God’s answer for Moses was not a super-charged leader but a supported one. As we rally around our pastors and elders—through prayer, practical help, generosity, and honor—we echo that same divine wisdom, turning overwhelming tasks into shared ministry and joyful service. |
    |