12. When I know I have the support of my leadership.
13. Those who know there is a spiritual and emotional cost to being a pastor even if they don’t really understand.
14. They have come into my life and family and done something totally unexpected, unexplainable, and absolutely needed (came and cleaned our house when were sick, fixed a meal for us when times were tough, etc.).
15. When a person takes the time to pay attention to my emotions I experience and conveys their desire to stand in prayer with me on issues that are troubling.
When a pastor faithfully serves and seldom receives encouragement from their church, their soul and passion can wither and die. This is the saddest response I received.
Most think the pastor needs no encouragement or affirmation but think that we should always be aware of his or her need for encouragement and affirmation. In 30 years of pastoring I would say that no more than a dozen times have people ever shown awareness.
If you are a pastor, what act of kindness from those in the church has encouraged you most?
This article about how to encourage your pastor originally appeared here and is used by permission.
