How can we ensure our church leaders are supported, as seen in 1 Chronicles 6:71? Reading 1 Chronicles 6:71 “From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Aner in Bashan, together with its pasturelands, and Bileam, together with its pasturelands, for the rest of the Kohathites.” Why the Levites Needed Support - God set the Levites apart to minister at the tabernacle (Numbers 1:50), giving them no territorial inheritance of their own (Deuteronomy 18:1–2). - Instead, the rest of Israel was commanded to give them cities and surrounding pasturelands (Joshua 21:1–8). - This provision freed the Levites to focus fully on worship, teaching, and intercession on behalf of the nation. Timeless Principles for Today’s Church - Ministers are to be provided for by God’s people so they can devote themselves to the word and prayer (Acts 6:4). - “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14) - “The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor…” (1 Timothy 5:17–18) - Neglecting spiritual leaders harms the whole community (Malachi 3:8–10). Practical Ways We Can Support Our Leaders Financial care - Budget generous, regular compensation that reflects local living costs. - Cover health insurance, retirement, and ministry‐related expenses. - Provide allowances for books, conferences, and continuing education. Encouragement and honor - Speak words of gratitude; write notes highlighting specific blessings received through their ministry. - Guard them from gossip; step in to defend their reputation (Hebrews 13:17). - Celebrate ministry milestones and anniversaries. Prayer covering - Organize prayer teams committed to daily intercession for the pastor’s family, purity, health, wisdom, and protection (Ephesians 6:18). - Include leaders’ names in corporate prayer gatherings. Time for rest - Ensure weekly Sabbath rest; respect days off by limiting non-emergency contact. - Offer periodic sabbaticals for study, renewal, and family time (Mark 6:31). - Encourage vacations without guilt. Shared ministry load - Train and release volunteers so leaders aren’t carrying every task (Exodus 18:17–23; Ephesians 4:11–12). - Form care teams for hospital visits, benevolence distribution, and event planning. Practical help to families - Provide childcare or tutoring assistance during busy seasons. - Offer skilled help—meals, home repairs, or transportation—when needed. Blessings of Obedience - A well-cared-for pastor can “devote himself to prayer and the ministry of the word,” producing spiritual growth in the body (Acts 6:4–7). - Honoring leaders invites God’s favor: “Obey your leaders and submit to them… so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:17) - Like Israel under faithful Levites, a supported church experiences unity, strong teaching, and effective witness to the world. |
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