The Leader as Encourager (by David Faust)
I noticed a sign in front of a church building that announced the title of an upcoming sermon. The sign said, “Discouragement: Sunday, 10:00 a.m.” That’s not a good way to advertise your church!
Every day, discouraging words and perplexing problems throw cold water on our faith. Discouragement can be caused by something as serious as the death of a loved one or as trivial as your favorite team losing a game they should have won. The folks we encounter at church feel disheartened by politics in Washington, D. C. and by problems they face at home and at work.
Discouragement drains people, but encouragement means to “put courage in” others—to inspire and impart confidence.
For some Christians, encouragement is a spiritual gift (Romans 12:8), but for all of us, it’s a responsibility. For leaders, encouragement is an essential tool. A team with a positive attitude has a better chance of succeeding in sports, in business, and at church. It’s no surprise that the Apostle Paul said to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Remember the safety instructions when you fly in an airplane? In an emergency, you should put the oxygen mask on yourself first before trying to put the mask on others. If you can’t breathe and you’re passing out from lack of oxygen, how can you help someone else? Before you can encourage others, you need to find encouragement yourself. To give someone else a drink, you must have water in your own well.
The Old Testament tells how a group of enemy raiders burned down a town called Ziklag and captured the families of King David and his men. Things were so discouraging that “David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep” (1 Samuel 30:4). The soldiers were so bitter and disheartened that they considered stoning David to death. In the midst of this terrible situation, “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6, King James Version). Sometimes there is no one to encourage you except the Lord himself—but he is enough. Ask the Lord to strengthen you with the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Stay connected with friends who refresh your spirit and fuel your passion for ministry. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Allow the uplifting promises in God’s Word to nourish your soul. “Through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Guard your own attitude and state of mind. Decide that you will do your work with joy and be an instrument of God’s love.
Volunteers need encouragement. It only takes a few minutes to make someone’s day. Write encouraging e-mails. Send text messages or hand-written notes of thanks. If you write just two notes a week, over the course of a year you can encourage over 100 members of your church. The reservoir of encouragement needs to be re-filled regularly. Hebrews 3:13 says to “encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today.” Encouragement is like manna from heaven—daily bread for the soul. Your church’s elders and staff need encouragement. When people are taken for granted, they feel drained and demotivated. Celebrate “wins” both big and small. Speak sincere words of appreciation when someone goes the extra mile. Even when you must deliver bad news or handle unpleasant situations, mingle your rebukes with encouragement and patient instruction (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15).
All age groups and personality types need encouragement. “Encourage the timid” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Make a deliberate effort to chat with children and teens. Don’t overlook the elderly or take them for granted. Ask for their input and thank them for their faithfulness.
People in your community and unchurched neighbors need encouragement. “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25). Be the customer who offers a cheerful word to the server in the restaurant or coffee shop. Be the neighbor who asks, “How are you doing?” and actually listens for the answer.
A poet put it well:
We are building up or tearing down
In everything we do;
Do we belong to the construction gang,
Or to the wrecking crew?
In a world that tears people down, be part of God’s construction crew. Be an encouraging leader!
David Faust: Husband of one, father of three, father-in-law of two, grandfather of four. Long suffering fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. Led churches in Ohio, New York, and Indiana, and served for two decades as a Bible college/seminary teacher and leader. Author of 16 books and long-time writer for The Lookout and Christian Standard magazines. Currently . . .
Senior Associate Minister, East 91st Street Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN; Leadership Advisor, Connection Pointe Christian Church, Brownsburg, IN