You’re a member of a Sunday school class, church committee or ministry team. You’re on the church ball team, the nursery rotation or praise band. Whatever your involvement in your local church, each group you attend or serve has a leader who needs to know you’re behind them. How can you encourage that leader? Try some of these “Fresh Ideas”:
Davis
? Pray faithfully for that leader.
? Consistently show up a few minutes early for meetings, rehearsals or events.
? Stay late to help clean up. Don’t leave the grunt work to the leader.
? Send an uplifting text, card or Facebook message. Tell what you like about serving or attending the group. Your random encouragements are the best!
? Don’t complain. Read Philippians 2:14.
? Think of specific ways to bless your leader. Loves sweet tea? Deliver a giant cup from Sonic or McAlister’s.
? Leaders need friends, too. Invite the leader’s family over for dinner.
? Watch for stressful times. Example: Your leader has houseguests during a particularly busy time at church? Mow his or her lawn, or deliver a meal.
? Listen when your leader speaks. Show love and respect by your actions.
? Get involved. Listen to needs among the group and the church, and joyfully volunteer to help when God prompts you. Tithe. Invest time. Care.
? Trust your leader to lead. God has called him or her. Follow that leadership.
? Observe things the leader is consistently doing that you could take on, and offer your help. Example: last-minute copies, early set up, computer work.
? Find out the leader’s birthday or anniversary of service in that position. Send an encouraging note or buy lunch that day.
? Help leaders lead with joy by getting along with others in your class or team.
? Use your unique talents or expertise to help. Example: A seamstress on the worship team made drapes for the worship leader’s office.
? Speak well of your leader. Brag about how God is working. Compliment him or her in front of others.
A growing church requires many leaders, and many of them are volunteers. Circle some ideas on this list. When you show love for the leader of your church group, it will honor God and impact your church.
“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. – Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit” (Hebrews 13:17 NLT).
– Davis is a columnist, speaker, and author of “Deacon Wives” and “Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry” (B&H Publishing). Read more at www.keeponshining.com.