Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.
But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.
(Exodus 17:8-13…emphasis mine)
Every pastor needs some hand holders on his side.
Someone who will hold up his hand when it begins to fall.
Every pastor I know has days when he feels he carries everyone else’s struggles, but there is no one to help with his. Of course, we are all to “cast our cares” on God, but God uses people to encourage people. Pastors need that too.
Pastors need people they can trust to be supportive. Someone who will not talk about them, but with them in love when there is a problem. People who believe in him, pray for him, and follow his lead if he is seeking to follow God’s. Pastors need to know they have safe places, people to whom they can be real, even on their weakest days, and still be loved. Pastors need true friends; friends who are friends not to be close to the position, but simply to be a friend.
Are you a hand holder for your pastor?
Those people are true Kingdom-builders.
Twitter: _brad_gilbert_
says:
Question: Should you find these, as a pastor, within or without your church, in your opinion?
If they aren't readily obvious…I find them
I agree! I am blest with a couple people just like this. So many people think don’t seem to understand that a Pastor carries the burdens of others as well as his own. Many times when someone comes to me with a broken heart or a heavy burden I am dealing with my own but am unable to share it. I think if every Pastor had just one or two helpers it would make a world of difference! Thanks for the post!
Thanks Pastor
Amen! The family of Christ must be there for one another… no agendas, no selfish desires, no personal gain… just allow Christ to do in our lives what He does best… love & serve. I'm right there with you brother, you can count on me! Of course, that's what Peter said to Jesus… I'll be there, I won't deny you. He denied the Lord but God used that as another learning phase in the life of Peter. I pray that I will not allow my flesh to dictate my decisions & actions but instead I allow the Holy Spirit to guide & direct me in all things. Praise God for those Pastors who lead their flock in a humble & obedient manner. I lift them up, not on a pedestal, but to God who will empower them to do His will. Thank you brother Ron for your words of wisdom, your humble Spirit, and opening your heart for all to see! To God be the glory!
Thanks Greg. You're definitely a partner in ministry and the kind every pastor needs! Bless you brother.