Support Ministers or People of Strong Faith: Will YOU Do It?

Do ministers or people of strong faith need support too? They are there when others walk painful

paths, but who steps up to support them when their path becomes rough?

Its not just those in Ministry as a profession that I am asking this question about. We all know at least one person of Faith, who seems capable and strong. You might be tempted to label them as a “Super-Faither”. (not a real term, by the way, I stole it from Patsy Clairmont) These are the first people you call when you need prayer because:

you KNOW they are going to pray
you believe that God hears their prayers and responds to them quicker than He does your own. (yet another false-hood)

They have proven that they can be counted on when life breaks your heart. They sit with you when a loved one dies. They walk with you as you navigate a painful divorce. They cry with you for hours as your child lay sick. They clean your home and help your family when you are down and can’t do it yourself. They physically and spiritually step in and help when your are in despair; pouring out the love and compassion of Jesus with each hug, prayer, meal, phone call, and act of support. They have let you know that you are not alone and that God has not abandoned you.

It is very easy to assume that this very strong and giving person never needs the same types of support they offer. They appear strong in faith and ability so you might be tempted to think “What would I have to offer them?” You may perceive that their relationship with God is strong enough that they wouldn’t need anything from other people. This is a complete lie of them enemy. Strong people (even strong “Faithers”) and people in ministry need support too.

Strong people of faith have earthquakes and heart breaks. Every person who is in ministry and leadership does as well. They experience the death of loved ones and miss them just as much as anyone else. They (or their children) get ill and the house and laundry goes undone and meals are a burden to cook. Yes, they have their faith, and they have God, but in these instances they have a dirty house and empty stomachs. In these times they need others to show up and support them. They need a hot meal, clean laundry, and a brave soul to “be the hands and feet of Jesus” in their lives.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Be available. Be present. Show up with food in hand and a plan to take their children to the park for the afternoon so they can rest, focus, pray, or cry.

They have difficult times in relationships and life gets turned upside down…walk the path with them.

When their children get sick, pray and cry with them, but bring a meal too. Mow the lawn. Bring a care package of groceries or a “stuck in the house” survival kit.

When they get overwhelmed with life and need help with children, laundry, a meal…be the hands and feet of Jesus and show up willing to love on them and care for their physical and spiritual needs.

Ministers and servants are not islands of their own making. They become isolated because others see them reach out and serve, but don’t pause to think that they might need a hug and prayers of encouragement too.

Ministers and servants are isolated because others don’t realize they need encouragement too.

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They might need a meal during difficult times (or just because). Possibly a card letting them know that someone cares. Recognize that their hearts break too, and knowing that someone cares and is willing to provide support during those times helps them know they are loved by the very people they love on.

A “FAITHER’S” CRISIS: YOU CAN HELP

There comes a crisis in each of these people’s lives when they wonder if what they are doing has had any real value or is worth it. Each time they are present for you, they may be absent for their own family or household responsibilities. They don’t mind. It is an honor to walk with others when they are needed. They easily feel this way until they have a personal crisis no one shows up for them. Doubt creeps in.

When these crisis moments happen, the person who has poured into the lives of others may feel isolated an alone. As they look over a broken landscape that is their own life, they may wonder where their support will come from. All to often the support doesn’t show up. Bitterness can take root in the soil of their broken heart. Their mind will flash through all the people they helped and wonder why no one cares enough to help them. This is a moment that can cause them to walk away from the ministry and say “It isn’t worth it.”

As this lie is being told to them, you may be hearing your own lies. “What could I off them?” “I’m not qualified to help them.” “I’m sure they have people surrounding them, I’d just be in the way.” “I’m sure their faith is strong enough, they don’t need anyone or anything other than God.”

THINGS TO REALIZE

Their heartbreaks are no less painful than yours.
Their disappointments are no less disappointing than yours.
Their loneliness is no less lonely.
Their losses are no less devastating.

With this said, please feel free to love on them accordingly. I speak for strong, faith-filled servants in your life when I say “They need you as much as you need them!” Be the hands and feet of Jesus in their lives.

Please feel free to love on Ministers, servants, and “Faithers” accordingly.

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IDEAS OF HOW TO BE PRESENT FOR THEM:

send cards or letters (possibly include gift cards to local eateries)
send texts to let them know you are praying for them
mow their yard
bring a treat and stay and visit
bring a cooked meal
offer to drive them to appointments
offer to baby sit children (at your house)
offer to clean their house
be present. Show up not expecting answers to your questions. Give them permission to just be.
keep anything said to you are that is seen or overheard confidential. Do not share with the prayer team or anyone but God as you lift it in your own private personal prayer time. Be trustworthy and honorable!
do for them what meant the most to you when someone supported you
seek God’s guidance on how to support them and have the courage to follow through