How can we support our church leaders, inspired by Nehemiah 12:5? A Snapshot from Nehemiah 12:5 “Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,” The verse is brief—just three names—yet it reminds us that God carefully records and honors those who shoulder spiritual responsibility. Their inclusion in Scripture nudges us to value and uphold today’s pastors, elders, and ministry staff just as Israel treasured her priests. Notice and Name Your Leaders • Take time to learn their names, roles, and family situations. • Address them personally in conversation, cards, texts, and social media posts. • Acknowledging them by name mirrors the biblical pattern of honoring servants who stand in the gap (cf. Romans 16:1–16). Celebrate Faithful Service • Express gratitude for sermons prepared, visits made, and counsel offered (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). • Mark ministry anniversaries or milestones with notes, testimonies, or a church-wide celebration. • Speak well of their labors when talking with others; positive words spread encouragement. Partner in the Work • Volunteer where help is needed—children’s classes, music, setup, outreach (Nehemiah 4:6). • Offer your skills: administration, technology, carpentry, cooking, or mentoring. • Show up consistently; faithful presence lightens leaders’ burdens. Honor through Obedience and Submission • Receive biblical teaching with a willing heart; apply it (James 1:22). • Guard against grumbling or divisive speech; pursue unity (Ephesians 4:3). • Follow reasonable guidance so leaders can serve “with joy and not with grief” (Hebrews 13:17). Supply Practical Needs • Give generously and regularly; Scripture calls worthy elders “worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17–18). • Provide meals during busy seasons, help with childcare, or share a reliable car if theirs is in the shop. • Budget for conferences or sabbaticals that refresh and equip them. Cover Them in Prayer • Intercede for wisdom, strength, protection, and family health (Colossians 4:3). • Pray before services, during the week, and whenever the Spirit brings them to mind. • Let them know you’re praying; it reassures weary hearts. Guard Their Rest and Well-Being • Encourage them to take regular days off; respect those boundaries. • Arrange volunteer rotations so ministry doesn’t consume every evening or weekend. • Offer vacation housing, retreat locations, or gift cards for family outings. Model Christlike Character • Live out the Word they preach; nothing fuels a shepherd like seeing sheep mature (3 John 4). • Confess sin quickly, seek reconciliation, and walk in love—this validates their teaching ministry. • Be encouragers in the pews, not critics in the corners. Living the Lesson Just as Nehemiah’s record preserves the names of Mijamin, Maadiah, and Bilgah, let us preserve, honor, and uplift those who lead us today. By noticing, celebrating, partnering, obeying, providing, praying, protecting, and imitating, we give our leaders room to thrive and our churches room to flourish. |
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