I’m writing this as I’ve been reflecting on the life and passing of Pastor John McArthur. He pastored his church, Grace Community Church, in Southern California for 56 years. And not only did he serve Grace Community Church as a faithful shepherd of God’s people, but he also served and blessed God’s people all over the United States and probably around the world. Personally, I have been blessed by his Study Bible and commentaries which I have used many, many times. When I’ve been seeking answers on particular passages of scripture I’ve found answers thanks to John MacArthur’s incredible biblical wisdom and knowledge. 

But his passing has got me thinking of pastors in general. Perhaps because my own father was a faithful pastor who went to be with the Lord a few years ago, I consider how blessed I have been to have experienced such committed service to Jesus and others. And I can tell you, having been a pastor’s kid, that being a pastor is hard work. It can be isolating and lonely, it can be difficult and stressful, it can be painful and distressing. Being a pastor is not for the faint of heart. One should not be a pastor without the certain call of God because trying to be a pastor without God’s grace and blessing will surely be a disaster. But if one is called as a Pastor, there is great blessing, too. Pastor’s witness spiritual maturity and growth in their congregations. They see first hand God working in the lives of His people and His glorifying work of sanctification. And when one sets about to teach, as pastors do, the teacher finds that he often learns so much more in the process. 

But these blessings do not come without a price- less time with family, inconveniences, painful insults, general concern for the welfare of the flock that takes up all of one’s headspace. It is a great thing to be a pastor, but God did not design the church that a pastor should work alone. The pastor shepherds the church, but we as the congregation must reach out to bless our pastors. And how best do we do that? Through prayer, encouragement and service. Pray, encourage, serve. 

Pray for your pastor. Remember that our pastors are just men. John MacArthur was a wonderful, godly, wise follower of Jesus, but he was just a man – fallible and under the same encumbrance of sin as we all are. Pastors need our prayers. Even Paul asked for prayers – Hebrews 13:18 (ESV): “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.” Pastors are under attack. They are under attack from spiritual forces – they are often under attack from other Christians. They need our prayers. 

Encourage your pastor. When we (the body of Christ) work for the Lord we should not desire pats on the back because we know we’re working for the Lord. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” However, we and our pastors, are people and we need to be encouraged. We are instructed to encourage one another – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up …” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV) I could use work in this area – but I know this is true. Tell your pastors you appreciate them. Show your pastors you appreciate them. Encourage them in the Lord from your heart. They need to hear it. 

Lastly, we can help our pastors when we serve Christ faithfully through our church service. There are so many tasks that need to be done, certainly more things need doing than one person can do. Think about how God might be calling you to use your spiritual gifts to help the church body. Any work done in the body of Christ will be a help to your pastor because your support eases his burden of tasks. 

I thank God for Pastor McArthur, for my dad, and for my current Pastor, Pastor Mike. I have grown tremendously because of the faithful ministry of all three of these men. What a gift God has given us in shepherds who teach and guide the flocks into which God has directed them. Praise the Lord for your pastor and help your pastor: pray for him, encourage him, and serve Christ faithfully in your church that you might ease his burden.