I served on the governing body of one of the schools in our town. I never realised how much energy it takes to run a school properly these days. Financial support from the Department of Education is decreasing, while expenditure keeps on increasing. Because both parents in many families work, parents’ expectations of the school also keep on growing.

Then, when the parents feel their expectations are not being met, they phone the principal and come down on him or her like a ton of bricks. Often the principal is not even aware of the problem but is commanded to sort it out. It’s as if people no longer have any respect for the headmaster. As if every parent is his or her boss.

It’s not easy to hold a leadership position.

It’s the same in the church. Ministers and pastors must watch what they do, because if they do and say something a member of the congregation does not agree with, they will hear about it.

People forget that they are ordinary people too who can also make mistakes. Yes, they were called by God and it is a special calling with enormous responsibilities. And indeed, that is why these called servants of God are warned that one day they will have to pass through heaven’s test centre twice. It is not an easy job to work full-time for God.

These ministers are ordinary people and can trip just as easily. I remember I once wrote that the Israelites travelled through the Nile instead of the Red Sea. Ordinary people making ordinary mistakes. Therefore, the suggestion, no, actually command, that all should take hands with the ministers of the Word:

¹²And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience.  ¹³Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part.

It can be very lonely at the head of the congregation or community of believers. Everybody knows your name because you stand in front. Everybody knows what you are doing and what not, because the stories fly all over.

Reach out to the leader of your community. Support him or her. Send an e-mail. Send a WhatsApp with Scripture. Pray every day that he or she will remain standing. Send a package, something special. It may just be the fuel they need to get through a personal crisis.

In a church or community of believers everyone has a responsibility, a function. Make sure you know what yours is and do it the way God wants you to do it.

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

Reflection

Do you know how it is going with the leader of your church?

What have you done for him or her?

How can you support him or her?

Prayer

Father, I realise I have to reach out to the minister or leader of my church. Show me where I can make a difference in his or her life. Amen.