Church leaders who are in the trenches of gospel ministry need to be encouraged. According to a recent LifeWay poll, here are ten encouraging things that have been said to pastors:
- “I learn more about the Bible in five minutes of this study with you than I would in five hours of reading on my own.” Words like these make long hours in the study worth it.
- “I like the way you handle Scripture. It’s clear God has His hand on you.” What an affirmation of 2 Timothy 2:15 in this pastor’s life.
- “Preacher, just let me know if someone acts ugly to you, and I’ll lay hands on them.” This was from a man who, before he got saved, was known as “the toughest, cussingest, drinkingest man” in the county.
- “I expect you to do great things through your preaching. You’ll be the next Spurgeon.” No pressure there.
- “You don’t make me feel stupid . . . you help me understand.” To me, this screams 1 Corinthians 2:1-8 — preaching that’s simple, faithful, and that points to Jesus.
- “I thought you were too young to be my pastor but now I know I was wrong . . . you are my pastor, and I’m grateful for you.” This came from a church member who used to be a naysayer early on in the young pastor’s tenure. However, the pastor shepherded this family well, and it paid off.
- “I can count on you to preach the Bible.” It’s easy to bow to the whims and ever-changing winds of society, but it’s so worth it to simply preach the Word.
- “I’m 80 years old and I’ve never studied the Bible because I didn’t understand it . . . now I do and I know how it points to Jesus.” Heralding the gloriously good news of the gospel is worth it.
- “You’ve helped deepen my love of Scripture.” We’re not in the pulpit to preach on our ideas, but to proclaim Christ and Him crucified.
- “I love you.” Three simple words that make everything we do worth it.