Pastor, your pastor needs your help. (As you have probably noticed, the book Sure and Steady was written to help disciple assistant pastors in how to serve their congregation practically. You can adapt these to any role of service.)
Ministry is heavy, and leadership can be exhausting. Like Moses, your pastor’s arms can grow weary under the weight of the spiritual battles he faces daily. In Exodus, when Moses’ arms became heavy, Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his arms until the victory was won.
Exodus 17:12-13 (NKJV) “But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”
God used Aaron and Hur to support Moses in the middle of the battle, and victory came because they stood by him. Ministry battles today work the same way. Your pastor needs men around him who will stand by his side, love him, encourage him, and help him. He needs men who will pray for him, support him, and protect him (Never read into this that your pastor is to be supported in sinful behavior; that is never okay, ever.)
The last thing your pastor needs is for you to weigh him down, adding unnecessary burdens to the already heavy load he carries. Don’t be the one who drains him with criticism or resistance. Be the one who lifts his arms through your faithfulness, encouragement, and practical help.
Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
Support your pastor by honoring his leadership. Listen well. Pray consistently. Show up faithfully. Go the extra mile. Do more than expected. Look for practical ways to help, whether that’s taking on a needed task without being asked or encouraging others in the congregation to walk in unity. Stand with your pastor in prayer, believing God for wisdom, strength, and courage in his life and ministry.
When you hold up your pastor’s arms, you are partnering with God in the work He is doing in your church and community. You are helping to create an environment of joy and unity that allows the work of the ministry to move forward with strength.
Be faithful. Support your pastor well as you serve together in Jesus’ name.
Adapted from the book, Sure and Steady by Pastor Ed Taylor. Chapter 15
