Just this week I found out that there is a local church in duress. The leadership of this church apparently cannot get along and there have been hurt feelings and hurt people. My heart is grieved.
What will happen? The leaders will probably part and go their separate ways. Unfortunately when there is a change in shepherds like this some of the sheep will leave and some will stay, but some will also scatter. Not a desirable situation.
What causes this kind of thing to happen in our churches?
James 4:1 "Why do you fight and argue with each other? Isn't it because you are full of selfish desires that fight to control your body?" (CEV)
'How can this happen to pastor's?' You might be wondering. I have wondered the same thing. But then I am reminded that they too are human and they too have a sinful nature to battle.
Now the burden sits with the church people; have we really been committed to pray for the church leadership? I only pray occasionally for my pastors - now it will be habitual.
2Thessalonians 3:1 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you." (NKJV)
Even the leaders of the New Testament needed the prayers of the brethren. How much more do our pastors and church leaders need our prayers today!
I want to encourage you to pray each day this week for your church leaders - and if the Lord gives you a scripture for one of them give it to them in love. We all need to be encouraged and loved.
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12 comments:
Hi Sonya,
I think praying for our pastors is a fantastic idea, especially since October is officially Clergy Appreciation Month.
The pastors in my church are loving, generous, sincere, and have wisdom. I'm SO grateful for them! We must remember how much they do, and how much they can use our prayers!
Sonya,
This is a great need and a calling for all believers not only to pray for their church leaders and members of the church itself but also for the people that so desperately are looking for a church to become a part of.
I too, need to become more diligent in my prayers and lift up the needs of my church family.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
It's always so disruptive when pastors don't get along. I hope they resolve quickly.
I admit I don't pray for my church leadership enough. Great reminder.
We tend to forget that they are targeted even more by our enemy, in an attempt to destroy the reputation of God's people, and of God Himself. I think all ministry leaders welcome our prayers, as well as the body. Its wonderful that you're aware of this congregation's need right now, and are praying for them.
God bless you,
Mary
Many pastors and pastors families are not properly covered with prayer. We are all falling down on the job in this area.
Andrea
Thank you for the reminder, very timely. And Andrea's comment about our pastors needing to be 'covered' with prayer is spot on. How can they do their jobs as first line of attack in the battle without prayer warriors behind them. We can all be prayer warriors if we choose, and those of us with the faith SHOULD choose.
Knee-pads anyone???
You've hit the nail right on the head. Our Pastor's, our churches, are in need of face-down prayer.
I believe we're at a time where church has become more about us and less about Him. When we get out of focus, we lose our vision for the lost and it's all downhill from there.
Blessings ~ Lisa
Can I give you a little advise from a Pastor's wife? I have hear my husband and other pastors say that they love it when their church memebers say that they are praying for them. They also say that they wish the members would ask them what do they need prayed FOR? So often the pastor has requests that the people don't know about because they don't ask.
Keep up the good work and it is awesome that you are spuring others on to good deeds!!!
This is so sad. It happened to a church in our area a few years back and ended up just like you said. Some went with one church and some with the other but a few were lost in the battle. And in the end there were hurt feelings and arguments and a lot of talking behind the back. Very un-Christ like. No one wins when something like this happens.
You're so right, Sonya. I think pastors must be a special target of the enemy, and they need our prayers for protection, strength, and wisdom.
Having been in 2 churches where the pastors and their wives divorced, congregations picked sides, horrible horrible slandering and gossip, the effects go on for years. The 1st church actually closed the day the youth returned from a missions trip to Trinadad/Tobago. It impacted those teens for years, many turned to sex, drugs and alcohol to fill the void. My daughter was one of those teens. She is now 23, and is starting to open her heart...ever so slightly to hearing about Jesus again, Praise God. The church we currently belong to is still "hanging on". It's a tough tough thing. I have to say it also effected me by not wanting to be "involved" or to become too close to anyone there. When it hit our church, I was ready to "flee to the hills". But, the Lord said to stay. I have stayed. Prayer is essential for your pastor and church body! The battle is real, and we can't afford any more losses on our home front! Don't forget your armor!! With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints! (sorry so long, it just hit home)
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