08/03/2024
Loving broken people as a guy who loves people deeply with all my issues isn’t always easy. It’s still the only way to live though. It’s all I know. Leaders are people who have chosen God’s ways for themselves and want Gods best for others. And leaders often get treated like superstars or punching bags depending on the circumstances and individuals involved. The truth is we are neither. There’s a middle ground in there somewhere for leaders and it’s not too far from the ground where most people are standing. Most of us are in it because we care deeply about people and God healing, strengthening and growing people.
Pastors are people who need God and need encouragement. They need you to have their backs and need your prayers. They don't need to be judged or slandered or talked about negatively, because no-one needs sin in their lives. It hurts the people doing the judging, or negative discerning, and slandering and those listening to it more than the pastors eventually. We all get to reap what we sow, and no-one needs that to happen to them. Pastors need you to treat them just like you want to be treated yourself (hopefully). They don't need a fan club or flattery. They need to be treated as precious as Jesus says, just as everyone needs that. At least I do. I’d much rather have someone pray for me or behave like Jesus than give me any special treatment. I’ve been deeply humbled by the few people who didn’t always like me or know what to make of me, but they asked God to give them His heart for me as they didn’t have it. And God gave it to them, and they learned how to love and bless me. That means as much to me than those who I instantly click with when I find “my people”. Don't be afraid to show your pastor and leaders love and encouragement, and learn how to pray for them. These are just some of things they are doing for countless people over decades. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only church leader who thinks like this.
