These are strange times for everyone, including pastors shepherding and teaching our local churches. Pastors are having to navigate confusing federal and local government suggestions and orders, as well as concerns from members of their body, all while maintaining true to God’s Word to preach the Word and care for the flock. Today we are going to explore what the Bible has to say about pastors as well as one important way we can help them.

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Pastor Qualifications and Duties:

Titus 1

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

1 Peter 5

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Come Alongside Your Pastor

How can we come along side these shepherds of God’s people?

No. 1 Pray for Your Pastor

1. Pray that God would make their path’s straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

2. Pray that God would protect them from their flesh, from the world, from the devil.

3. Pray that God would open doors to preach the Gospel.

4. Pray that God would give them boldness and clarity to proclaim the Gospel

5. Pray that God would give them wisdom.

No. 2 Don’t Gossip or Grumble against them

(You can bring concerns to them.)

No. 3 Come alongside them by using your giftings to share the Gospel

• Bring your ideas to your pastor

• Get wisdom and get training

• Don’t project your mission on them and expect them to take up your ministry ideas and passions (Acts 6)

“Pastors need the saints’ prayers because they are ever the object of the flaming arrows of the evil one. In addition, the world is eager to run them over at any opportunity. As one of my seminary professors so illustratively put it, “Ministers have a bull’s eye on their backs and footprints up their chests.” – Nicholas Batzig

Five Ways to Pray for Your Pastors – Ligonier Article Here

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