Ray Rhodes leads Nourished in the Word which is committed to caring for pastors and their wives. Read more at the end of this post and contact him.
“You, then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:1
The Christian man must have his spirits sustained, in order that he may glorify the Lord. If his spirits are kept up, he will be able to endure trial upon trial. — Charles Spurgeon
Some studies suggest that pastors are not leaving their churches in droves. While some do leave, often early in ministry, most remain at their posts until retirement.
Perseverance matters. “Don’t quit when the going gets tough” is usually good counsel. But simply “hanging on” is not enough. Scripture calls pastors to serve “with joy and not with groaning,” because no one benefits from a ministry marked by discouragement (Hebrews 13:17).
David Gibson, in Living Life Backward, argues that joy is so essential to the Christian life that the absence of it is sinful:
Not to live gladly, joyfully, and not to drink deeply from the wells of abundant goodness that God has lavished on us, is sin, and it is a sin because it is a denial of who he is.
The Holy Spirit produces joy in every believer. Yet even faithful Christians, including pastors, can experience seasons when that joy burns low.
Consider two passages.
Let Them Serve with Joy
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” — Hebrews 13:17
Joy is a deep delight rooted in truth. It is more than an emotion; it is the inward disposition that animates faithful service. By contrast, “groaning” is not merely outward complaint but an inward sigh that rises from a burdened heart.
The well-being of your pastor matters, not only for him but for the health of the entire church.
When pastors are continually criticized, resisted, or neglected, joy fades and groaning grows. How many faithful pastors rarely hear a sincere word of encouragement from those they shepherd? Hebrews reminds us that one way we care for our own souls is by joyfully supporting the godly leadership Christ has given us.
Complete My Joy
Paul expresses a similar desire in Philippians:
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” — Philippians 2:1–2
Think of filling a deep bathtub with hot water after a long winter day. As the water rises, weary muscles find rest.
That is Paul’s picture.
“Complete my joy.” Fill it up. Let my heart overflow with the encouragement that comes from seeing God’s people united in Christ.
Was Paul being selfish? Not at all. He understood that a joyful shepherd serves more faithfully and fruitfully. The Philippians were to strengthen him through their unity, love, affection, sympathy, and shared pursuit of the mind of Christ.
Few things burden a pastor more than division within the church. Conversely, few things encourage him more than seeing God’s people walking together in humility, love, and unity.
Pastors Need Encouragement
Pastors carry many burdens.
They know they lead imperfectly. They are deeply aware of their inadequacies. They feel the weight of giving an account before God for the souls entrusted to their care. Like every Christian, they also bear personal struggles, family concerns, physical weariness, and spiritual battles.
Even the Apostle Paul asked, “Who is sufficient for these things?”
Faithful pastors know they are not sufficient in themselves. Yet they love Christ, and they love Christ’s church.
Still, many know the painful experience Paul described:
“I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” (2 Corinthians 12:15)
Paul sought not the Corinthians’ possessions but the Corinthians themselves. Like a loving father, he gladly poured out his life for his spiritual children. He labored for their good, not his own.
Yet some repaid his sacrificial love with suspicion, criticism, and opposition.
Faithful pastors today often experience the same sorrow. They may be criticized for their preaching, leadership, personality, decisions—or any number of other things. They willingly receive thoughtful correction, but constant criticism and resistance discourages even the strongest shepherd.
Such attitudes are not merely unkind; they are sinful. They also harm the very church they claim to protect.
Encourage Your Pastor
For the love of Christ, the good of your church, and the flourishing of your pastor, encourage him.
Come alongside him.
Pray for him.
Tell him how God has used his ministry in your life.
Follow his faithful leadership.
Pursue peace and unity within the church.
Refresh him with generous hospitality and genuine affection.
As Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ weary hands, so churches should strengthen those who faithfully labor among them.
Your encouragement may restore the spark in his eyes, lighten the burdens he carries, and help him continue serving Christ with joy.
How Nourished in the Word Helps
One of the central ministries of Nourished in the Word is strengthening pastors and their wives.
One way we do this is by welcoming them into our home for one- or two-night renewal visits. After nearly four decades in pastoral ministry, Ray and Lori Rhodes understand both the joys and the unique pressures of shepherding God’s people.
Guests enjoy a peaceful home, nourishing meals, meaningful conversation, prayer, and, when desired, biblical counsel. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, these visits are offered free of charge.
We also assist churches in providing sabbatical support, helping pastors and their wives step away for an extended season of physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal.
In addition, Nourished in the Word provides trusted pulpit supply, conferences, retreats, and biblical teaching designed to strengthen both pastors and congregations.
If you are a discouraged pastor—or if your pastor could benefit from encouragement—we would be honored to help.
Contact us to learn more.
If the Lord leads you to support Nourished in the Word, your gift directly helps us encourage pastors, strengthen churches, and advance faithful gospel ministry. Nourished in the Word is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry, and every gift, large or small—helps sustain this work. To give, click here.
Ray Rhodes is President of Nourished in the Word Ministries (Preaching, Pastor/wife Care, Publishing, and Partnerships with churches and organizations. Contact him here to schedule a pastor/wive care visit or to preach/teach/speak for your church, organization, and business.
His latest book is Spurgeon: The Man Beyond the Pulpit from Broadman and Holman Academic.