Hold Them Up

HOLD THEM UP

Exodus 17:8-13

Introduction:

On this Pastors’ Appreciation Service, I am reminded of an article I read about the “Perfect Pastor”.

The perfect Pastor…

* Preaches exactly 10 minutes.

The perfect Pastor…

* Condemns sin but never hurts anyone’s feelings.

The perfect Pastor…

* Works from 8am until midnight and is also the Church Janitor.

The perfect Pastor…

* Makes $40 a week, wears good clothes, drives a good car, buys good books, and donates $30 a week to the Church.

The perfect Pastor…

* Is 29 years old and has 40 years experience.

The perfect Pastor…

* Above all is handsome.

The perfect Pastor…

* Has a burning desire to work with teenagers, and he spends most of his time with the senior citizens.

The perfect Pastor…

* Smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his Church.

The perfect Pastor…

* Makes 15 home visits a day and is always in his office to be handy when needed.

The perfect Pastor…

* Is always in the next church over!

If your Pastor does not measure up, simply send this notice to 6 other Churches that are tired of their pastor, too. Then bundle up your Pastor and send him to the Church at the top of the list. If everyone cooperates, in 1 week you will receive 1,643 pastors. 1 of them should be perfect. Have faith in this letter. 1 Church broke the chain and got its old Pastor back in less than 3 months.

In today’s American Church, Pastors struggle. The expectations are high and the support is low. I am blessed to Pastor a Church with 4 different Ministries in the same building. I know that I am appreciated; but I do know how it feels not to be appreciated.

Exodus 17:8-13

Hold them up…

1. In prayer and support.

The phrase "Hold Them Up" in the context of prayer and support emphasizes the vital role that the congregation plays in uplifting their Pastors through continuous prayer and encouragement. Just as Moses held up his hands during the battle against Amalek, the Church is called to stand in prayer, lifting up their spiritual leaders in times of challenge and victory alike. This act of holding Pastors up symbolizes recognizing their spiritual leadership, interceding on their behalf, and offering emotional and spiritual support to strengthen their resolve. Prayer becomes a powerful tool that sustains Pastors, reminding them they are not alone in their journey, and that their congregation is actively engaged in the spiritual warfare, standing firm with them.

Supporting Pastors in prayer and practical ways fosters a deeper sense of unity and mutual dependence within the Church community. Just as Moses’ arms grew tired, pastors can become weary from the weight of their responsibilities; therefore, the congregation's role is to steady their hands through encouragement and prayer. By holding them up, believers affirm the importance of Pastoral leadership and acknowledge that their effectiveness is rooted in divine strength and communal backing. This act of support not only benefits the Pastors but also strengthens the entire Church Body, creating a culture of love, appreciation, and spiritual solidarity that honors God's calling on their lives.

Hold them up…

2. With encouragement and affirmation.

In the context of the sermon point "Hold Them Up," the emphasis is on the vital role Pastors and spiritual leaders play in lifting up their congregation through encouragement and affirmation. Just as Moses held up his hands during the battle against Amalek, symbolizing reliance on God's strength, Pastors are called to serve as spiritual pillars who support and uplift their members. By offering words of encouragement, recognizing their struggles, and affirming their faith, Pastors help believers stand firm in their spiritual walk. This act of holding others up fosters a sense of hope and resilience, reminding believers that they are not alone in their battles and that God's strength works through their leaders to bring victory.

Affirmation is a powerful tool in nurturing the spiritual growth and confidence of Church members. When Pastors genuinely acknowledge the efforts, talents, and spiritual progress of individuals, it inspires continued faithfulness and dedication. Encouragement and affirmation serve as a form of spiritual reinforcement, helping believers overcome discouragement and stay focused on God’s promises. In doing so, Pastors fulfill their divine calling to uplift the body of Christ, ensuring that each member feels valued, supported, and empowered to persevere through life's challenges with confidence in God's provision and grace.

Hold them up…

3. Through unity.

In Exodus 17:8-13, we see the powerful example of how unity among God's people is essential for spiritual victory. When the Amalekites attacked Israel, Moses instructed Joshua to choose men and go to battle, while he held up his staff, representing God's power and authority. As long as Moses' hands were raised in prayer and intercession, Israel gained the upper hand in the fight; but when his hands grew tired and lowered, the Amalekites gained momentum. This highlights that holding up our leaders and one another requires persistent prayer and support- An act that depends on unity within the community of faith. When God's people come together, lifting each other in prayer and encouragement, they become stronger and more capable of overcoming spiritual battles.