I don’t know why this is so hard, but a simple, appreciative thank you coupled with sweet, sincere words like, “You’re doing a good work at our church”, “I see Jesus in you when you…”, “I can tell you do this for all the right reasons”, “Your message and your life makes a difference in my life”, mean more to a hard-working, focused volunteer and paid ministry leader than any dollar amount you can think of…like honey on toast…it soothes and refreshes our souls. 

Believe me. I been there. I’m still there, just not on the front lines as much. Months go by and God holds you up, but words of appreciation, “with no strings attached”, just make me work harder and ask God for more for those I serve. It also helps leaders to know if what they are doing is helpful to you, for that is their bottom line mission to help others know God more…so that others will know God more from their life walk. 

“Great sermon”, pastor is almost offensive as it does not portray what it meant to you. How was it “great” for you? Many hours of preparation goes into one sermon presentation that seeks to save the lost, heal the sick and transform lives through teaching God’s Word. So, Paul’s advice to Timothy to treat leaders well and encourage them with compensation that fits the work is welcomed!

1 Timothy 5, Msg:
“Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching. Scripture tells us, ‘Don’t muzzle a working ox,’ and ‘A worker deserves his pay.'” (Meaning ministers like to eat, too!)

Other encouraging and pertinent information that helps leaders…

“Don’t listen to a complaint against a leader that isn’t backed up by two or three responsible witnesses.”

“If anyone falls into sin, call that person on the carpet. Those who are inclined that way will know right off they can’t get by with it.”

“God and Jesus and angles all back me up in these instructions. Carry them out without favoritism, without taking sides.”

“Don’t appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily.” If a person is involved in some serious sins, you don’t want to become an unwitting accomplice.”

“In any event, keep a close check on yourself. And don’t worry too much about what the critics will say.” 

How did Paul know? He WAS a critic before he was a believer. He was a leader that persecuted the church. He was persecuting Jesus over and over, with his hateful actions until the Master, Jesus Christ stopped him dead in his tracks and blinded him to everything else but Jesus…Our LORD! He was transformed from the ugliness of being judge, jury and persecutor to a man with a mission…to help others know Jesus. “I want to know Christ”…and “share in his suffering” became his new battle cry. (Phil 3:10) Paul also became an encourager, as well as a mentor to Timothy and Titus in the work of encouraging other leaders. WE can join in that work of encouragement that is so needed today.

Dear Heavenly Father, Give us words that are sweet, helpful and encouraging to our leaders today. Use US to refresh their souls. Then give us opportunity to say it well with Your kind of sincere love. May Your Holy Spirit continue to work through them all, volunteer and paid, and build them up for the hard, tedious work, that saves souls and transforms lives for Your Glory. Thank you, Lord! In Jesus Name, Amen