​I’m not a pastor, but I know enough pastors to know that they have it rough. They fill their time with counseling sessions, elders’ meetings, and sermon prep. Then they then get to hear the occasional jokester say, “Don’t you just work one day a week?”

As one who “aspires to the office of [elder]” (1 Tim. 3:1), I have a special place in my heart for pastors. In particular, I’m thankful for mine: Randy, Justin, Paul, and Paul. My aim here is to encourage these four men and, in the process, to offer some general counsel on how you can encourage your pastors.

How to encourage your pastors: 

1. Take their sermons to heart.
2. Don't despite their correction.
3. Check in on them -- see how they're doing.