Statistics tell us that ministers have one of the higher-stress jobs in our nation. There are regular duties which must be performed no matter, what and they are generally both public and highly scrutinized. Then there’s the always-on-call part of the job, never knowing what will come up and when. The COVID pandemic didn’t help, as face-to-face ministry became impossible for a time, non-profit organizations faced funding stresses, and the need to catch up with technological tools overnight was demanded in order to stay connected. And don’t forget, one of the most polarizing political stretches of recent history landed on many congregations, bringing lasting division.
I have spent the last several years studying the life, ministry, and teaching of the Apostle Paul. After the Lord Jesus commissioned him to labor in the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire he experienced all sorts of troubles. His health was not great, his eyesight failed him, and the physical demands of a traveling ministry took their toll. He was whipped by the Jews a handful of times, beaten with rods by jailers, mobbed, robbed, shipwrecked, hungry, imprisoned, and lacking in material needs. He had strong opposition from Satan, governments, opposing religions, and what we today call haters. Within the church, people sided against him. He was disrespected, called names, misunderstood, and churches had “roast preacher” for Sunday lunch then, too.
Should we support our ministers because their task is difficult? Of course! The Corinthians were instructed to put Timothy “at ease” when he arrived to minister to them. He was young, timid, and gun-shy from previous hardships, so they needed to avoid making his life more difficult (1 Corinthians 16). A more ultimate reason requires our support—ministers are doing the work of the Lord. The risen and ascended Christ works in his church through ministers (Ephesians 4). He brings good news to your souls (Romans 10) and will give an account one day for his labor over you (1 Peter 4). Support your local minister!