How can we ensure our church leaders are supported, as seen in Nehemiah 13:12? Setting the Scene in Nehemiah 13:12 “ All Judah then brought the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms.” • After a season of neglect, the people respond to Nehemiah’s leadership by bringing practical, tangible support for those who serve in the temple. • The verse shows an intentional, organized effort—resources are gathered and stored so the Levites can focus on their God-given tasks. Principles Drawn from the Passage • Consistent giving is a community responsibility, not an occasional impulse. • Support is material as well as spiritual—grain, wine, and oil met physical needs. • Centralized, transparent distribution (the “storerooms”) protects both givers and receivers. Practical Ways to Support Church Leaders Today • Faithful Financial Giving – Tithes and offerings set aside first, not last. – Designate funds for pastoral salaries, ministry resources, and benevolence so leaders aren’t distracted by lack. • Organized Systems – Budget committees and treasurers ensure accountability, echoing the storeroom model. – Regular financial reports keep the congregation informed and foster trust. • Encouragement and Care – Send notes, texts, or calls expressing gratitude. – Provide time off and, when possible, sabbaticals to guard against burnout. • Practical Help – Volunteer for administrative tasks, facility upkeep, and event planning. – Offer professional skills (legal, medical, counseling, tech) to lighten leaders’ loads. • Prayerful Intercession – Schedule specific times to pray for pastors and elders by name. – Form prayer teams that meet the way the storerooms were filled—deliberately and regularly. Scriptural Reinforcements • 1 Timothy 5:17-18 – “The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor… ‘The worker is worthy of his wages.’ ” • Galatians 6:6 – “The one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.” • Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel… in return for the work they do.” • Philippians 4:16-17 – Paul commends a church that repeatedly met his needs, adding fruit to their own account. Benefits of Faithful Support • Leaders remain focused on preaching, teaching, and shepherding rather than scrambling for resources. • The whole body experiences unity: givers, receivers, and beneficiaries all share in God’s work. • The testimony of the church is strengthened when outsiders see a well-cared-for leadership team. |
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