In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Paul writes, "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work."
Having served in vocational ministry has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. It has also been the most challenging job I’ve ever had from an emotional and mental standpoint. According to Christianity Today, over 1,500 pastors leave ministry each month, and when you add support staff into the equation, the number skyrockets. Most of the people who leave ministry report that they make the choice because of mental exhaustion caused by conflict within their church.
We have had more than our fair share of conflict in recent months, and our staff has arguably been impacted the most since they’ve lived through it day-in and day-out. We have an incredible staff at First Denton, and they play a vital role in nurturing the spiritual health and growth of our church body. It is essential for us to support them in prayer, lifting them up to God for wisdom, strength, and guidance. Our pastors and staff give tirelessly to shepherd and support God's people at First Denton, and they face unique challenges and spiritual battles as they lead us. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can serve them and partner with God in the work He is doing through their ministry.
When we pray for our church staff, we are asking God to equip them with the resources they need to fulfill their calling. In Colossians 1:9-10, Paul prays, "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way." This prayer is a model for how we can pray for our staff—asking God to fill them with wisdom, discernment, and clarity in their decisions. By praying for them, we invite God’s guidance and protection over them.
It is also important to pray for their emotional and physical well-being. Ministry can be demanding, and church staff often experience burnout, discouragement, and isolation. In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." We can pray for strength when they feel weak, joy during challenges, and protection from the attacks of the enemy. Just as we would pray for our own needs, I invite you to pray for our staff to be filled with the peace and grace that only God can provide, enabling them to lead with vision, passion, and love.
Praying for our church staff not only strengthens them but also deepens our connection to the church too. As we pray, we partner with God in His work within the church community, affirming that we are all in this together. Take a moment now to lift up our staff, and if you know any of them personally, pray for them by name.
