Empowering pastors: CityServe Arkansas fills the cup of selfless shepherds
Pastors care for the needs of their flock. As shepherds of God’s people, pastors are there to teach, direct, lead and pray for their church. As they pour out themselves for the sake of making Jesus’ name known, they are often left without their cup being filled. CityServe Arkansas sees this need and understands the importance of caring for pastors. With a network of 386 churches across Arkansas, CityServe wants to come alongside and encourage pastors as they selflessly lead their churches. To care for pastors, the church can come alongside them with words of encouragement, prayer and support as they oversee their congregations.
1. Words of encouragement
An uplifting word can change the trajectory of one’s day. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Look for ways to spur your pastor on in love through your words. This could be an email or note letting them know that you appreciate their hard work. Affirm their gifts as they lead the congregation. Let your pastor know that you see and acknowledge their sacrifice as they pour themselves out to their church.
2. Prayer
Set aside a time to pray for your pastor each week. Ask God to guide your pastor in wisdom, pray that God would bless his work and family, ask God to heal the areas of his heart that need healing and pray that God would give him vision and insight into his leadership. Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
3. Support
Another way to come alongside pastors is to support them. Let them know that their work is not going unnoticed. Simple ways to support pastors could be a gift card to their favorite restaurant or an afternoon coffee break. This could also be simple acts of kindness like celebrating their birthday or honoring his anniversary with a card. It is the little details that make a big impact on making others feel noticed and loved.
Cesar Ortega, CityServe’s community coordinator, meets with pastors in CityServe’s network every day. He sees the hard work and dedication pastors put in to ensure their congregation is served. To support CityServe’s efforts to meet the needs of pastors, donate at https://app.securegive.com/everyarkansan/CityServe/donate/category?cats=53334&amts=false&recurring=true to ensure pastors are loved and cared for as they lead their churches.
