To start a recent sermon, I said, “He is risen!”
And the congregation shouted back: “He is risen, indeed!” To which I replied, “I knew you would say that.”
We all laughed.
Then I added, “I love being your pastor.”
Several members shouted some affirming things; a few others clapped. It was a sweet way to begin a sermon, but certainly not the way I once related to my congregation. It took me a long time to understand the necessity and power of encouragement.
Encouraging my people encourages them! In their reminder of my delight in them, they taste the delight Christ has in them. Encouraging shepherds also model for their flock how to encourage one another, and over time, create a culture of encouragement that’s part of the Velcro of the gospel. It has been said that humility is the pastor’s super-power. To which I would add: “And encouragement is our superglue.”
Encouragement is incredibly attractive. It’s a godly grace that reinforces gospel fruit. Younger pastors may not realize how important it is.
THE ROOT OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Have you ever marveled at Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthian believers (1 Cor. 1:4–9)? Is he just buttering them up
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