What to Pray for Your Pastors

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Hebrews 13:18-19
 
I began writing this article on February 15, when the Texas winter storm stranded Jeanine and me in Atlanta. We were there to encourage a group of like-minded pastors and their wives from all over Georgia. Just last week, I was at a retreat with fellow pastors where we sang, prayed, and encouraged one another in the ministry of the word. In my conversations with fellow pastors over these last few months, it is evident pastors are tired and discouraged. Many have simply quit the pastorate.

As faithful men who are called to lead and protect the flock of God among them through the ministry of the word and prayer, pastors have been forced to make decisions for which there are few specific answers but much-divided opinion. One pastor even coined the phrase “decision fatigue.” I, for one, can sympathize.

Added to this discouragement is the reality facing many pastors and churches: What will the church look like after Covid? How will the church change after Covid? How will it remain the same? Some pastors argue that as many as 30% of their church members and attenders won’t return. These “post-Covid” changes will be hard to face – loss of members and giving. Other changes, however, will be welcomed – less programming, new members, new ministry opportunities. One thing is sure: churches will not be the same.

Since the beginning of Covid, I’ve reminded our elders that High Pointe post-Covid, will be a different church than High Pointe pre-Covid. And I mean that in a good way. By God’s grace, your faithful generosity has been evident in your giving. And because High Pointe is purposely not program-driven, our church members have been equipped to care for and minister to one another, and over this last year, you have proven yourself as a loving and caring congregation. Added to all these blessings, we’ve also seen a steady flow of visitors each week. Just this week we had a full new members’ class. Praise the Lord for all his blessings toward us!

Still, I want to encourage you to pray for YOUR pastors. Despite all the blessings the Lord has poured out on us, this last year has been challenging. We, too, have decision fatigue, and we need your continued prayers. How can you be praying for us?

• Pray that we would continue to grow in our love for Christ and his word and that we would grow in holiness so that our progress in faith and faithfulness will be evident to all (1 Timothy 3:1-3; 4:15-16).
• Pray that we would love our wives as Christ loves his bride and that we would be wise and loving parents whose children respond to our instruction and direction (1 Timothy 3:2, 4-5).
• Pray that we would be faithful witnesses to our unbelieving family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, peers (1 Timothy 3:7).
• Pray that we would fulfill our ministry with wisdom from God, joy in the Lord, and love for Christ’s church (James 1:3-5; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17).

High Pointe, it is such a joy to shepherd you! We look forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to bless us in the months and years ahead.
Love,
Juan