In what ways can we identify and support "workers" in our community today? Setting the Scriptural Foundation “Now we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and who admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love on account of their work.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Who Are the “Workers”? • Pastors, elders, and teachers who shepherd and instruct • Missionaries and evangelists taking the gospel outward • Volunteers who lead children’s, youth, and outreach ministries • Compassion servants: counselors, meal-train organizers, benevolence team members • Marketplace believers who openly live and share Christ at work (Colossians 3:23-24) • Anyone laboring “for the sake of the Name” (3 John 7) Spotting Faithful Laborers Around Us Look for people who… • Consistently prioritize the Lord’s work over personal convenience (1 Corinthians 15:58) • Handle Scripture accurately and humbly (2 Timothy 2:15) • Exhibit servant-hearted character rather than a craving for recognition (Mark 10:43-45) • Invest in others through mentoring, discipling, counseling, or hospitality (2 Timothy 2:2) • Persevere under pressure without compromising truth (Galatians 6:9) • Display evident fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23) Practical Ways to Support Them Financial Care • Regular, generous giving to the church budget earmarked for staff and ministry expenses (1 Timothy 5:17-18) • One-time gifts or monthly support for missionaries and church planters (Philippians 4:15-17) Personal Encouragement • Spoken or written words that name specific ways their labor has blessed you (Proverbs 25:11) • Periodic “Sabbath” meals, gift cards, or childcare so they can rest (Mark 6:31) Hands-On Partnership • Join ministry teams rather than leaving the work to a faithful few (Ephesians 4:16) • Offer professional skills—accounting, carpentry, tech, counseling—free of charge (1 Peter 4:10) Prayer Backing • Schedule regular intercession for their boldness, protection, and fruitfulness (Ephesians 6:18-20) • Text or email a Scripture you prayed over them that day (Hebrews 3:13) Honor and Protection • Refuse gossip; defend their character when slander arises (Proverbs 17:9) • Observe healthy boundaries to guard family time and avoid unrealistic demands (Exodus 18:17-23) The Blessings of Partnership • Workers are strengthened, and the gospel advances more rapidly (Philippians 1:3-5). • The whole body grows in unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Supporters share in the eternal reward of those they assist (Matthew 10:41). |
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