Ten Encouragements for Pastors to Not Grow Weary in Their Ministry

Fellow pastors, anything less than an eternal perspective is being short-sighted in our ministries. Just as Rome was not built in a day, neither are lives of faith, lives that resemble Jesus Christ, built in a few sermons. So if we are building for eternity, it seems logical that the process that it would entail would be lengthy, as well. We would all like spiritual lightning to fall so that lives would be completely transformed overnight, but we all know this is not the case. We build up the body of Christ by building Christ into the lives of our flock one sermon at a time. (Which makes a good case for preaching 50-60 minute sermons, since that is the only exposure to the word most of your people are going to get each week)

I believe the Scriptural admonition to not grow weary in doing good is particularly applicable to us as pastors, as is its promised reward that in due time you shall reap if you do not grow weary.  Preaching rich biblical sermons each and every week is the greatest good we can do for our people; but as you know, in addition to being a great joy, there is a side that is demanding and laborious. And it is good that it is demanding and laborious, because that forces us to depend on the Lord and His grace for our sufficiency.

From our standpoint, what is it that we are to to keep in mind to have the proper perspective and prepare for the long-haul of a preaching ministry? In no particular order here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. We are to be faithful/trustworthy.
     I Timothy 1:12, I Corinthians 4:1-2

2. We are to watch our own life and doctrine.
     I Timothy 4:16, Hebrews 12:1, II Timothy 2:21, II Corinthians 4:1-2

3. We are be patient in our preaching (this keeps us from pressing for results).
     II Timothy 3:10, 4:2

4. We are to be realistic in our preaching.
     II Timothy 4:2-5

5. We are to be constant in our preaching
     II Timothy 4:2

6. We should always stay fresh in the word, so the word will stay fresh in us ( another benefit of preaching  consecutively through books of the Bible)
    II Timothy 2:15, 4:13

7. We are to expect hardships.
     II Timothy 1:8, 1:12, 2:3, 3:12, 4:5

8. Our gifts, ministry, and effects are all from the Lord, through the Lord, and for the Lord.
    I Corinthians 12:4-6, Romans 11:36

9. Our adequacy comes from the Lord.
     II Corinthians 3:4-6, I Peter 4:10-11, Zechariah 4:6, II Corinthians 4:7

10. We are to keep in mind, it is never about us.
     I Corinthians 8:6, II Corinthians 5:14-15, Colossians 3:24b, Luke 14:7-10, 
     II Corinthians 9:16-18, Ephesians 3:2, Colossians 1:25

So, fellow pastors, let us fulfill our ministry, let us fully carry out the preaching of the gospel, let us persevere until the Lord comes back or calls us home.  What a great privilege it is to preach the word of God and how beautiful are the feet that bring the great news of the riches of the love and grace of God in the person of Jesus Christ.  Be blessed by His word and His Spirit, be faithful to the work He has given you to do, and be thankful for His calling and choosing you for the noble task of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.