What practical steps can we take to support spiritual leaders in our community? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 44:29 “They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering; and everything in Israel devoted to the LORD belongs to them.” The Scriptural Pattern of Provision • God Himself appointed that those who minister “eat” from what is offered (Ezekiel 44:29; Numbers 18:8-9). • The same principle carries into the church age: “those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • Paul adds, “The worker is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:17-18). When we supply materially, we align with a clear, timeless command. Why Supporting Leaders Matters • It honors the Lord, who declares, “I am their inheritance” (Ezekiel 44:28). As we give, we acknowledge His ownership of everything. • It frees shepherds to focus on prayer and the word (Acts 6:2-4). • It brings blessing back to the giver: “so that a blessing may rest upon your household” (Ezekiel 44:30; cf. Philippians 4:17). Practical Steps You Can Take 1. Material Provision – Set aside a first-portion gift just as Israel did (Ezekiel 44:30). – Practice regular, planned giving to your local church budget that covers salaries, housing, insurance, and ongoing training. – Occasionally add a personal love-offering, gift card, or grocery run (Galatians 6:6). 2. Encouraging Words – Send a brief note of gratitude after a sermon or ministry event (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). – Speak well of leaders in public; silence gossip quickly (Proverbs 17:9). 3. Prayer Covering – Adopt a leader’s family for focused weekly intercession (Ephesians 6:19). – Fast periodically for protection from temptation and burnout. 4. Shared Ministry Work – Volunteer where your gifts fit—children’s classes, tech, visitation—so leaders aren’t overloaded (Exodus 17:12). – Offer professional skills — accounting, carpentry, legal advice — to ease administrative burdens. 5. Guarding Their Time – Encourage regular Sabbath rest and vacations; resist the urge to “just call” on their day off. – Schedule meetings thoughtfully, grouping items to avoid repeated trips. 6. Family Care – Babysit during elders’ retreats or marriage getaways. – Celebrate birthdays and milestones, bringing the whole church family around them (Romans 12:10). 7. Accountability with Grace – Provide a trusted, confidential setting for leaders to share struggles (Galatians 6:1-2). – When correction is needed, follow the biblical process gently and respectfully (1 Timothy 5:19-20). 8. Defending Their Focus – Handle minor conflicts within the congregation whenever possible, freeing leaders for weightier matters (Acts 6:3). – Support biblical decisions even when they are unpopular, remembering they “watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17). The Blessing That Follows • Households that honor God’s servants invite His favor (Ezekiel 44:30). • Churches that supply generously become launchpads for wider gospel impact (Philippians 4:15-16). • Communities see unity and peace flourish (Psalm 133:1-3). A Simple Plan for This Week • Choose one material gift and one act of encouragement to complete by Sunday. • Block fifteen minutes on your calendar to pray specifically for your pastor’s spiritual vitality. • Identify one ministry task you can shoulder to lighten a leader’s load and volunteer for it. |
    |