What Are Those Church Leaders Doing?

I remember years ago, a friend at our church told me that as a child, he had no idea that so many chores that went into keeping the church in good condition.  He just showed up on Sundays and found everything working and in the right place, just as it should be.  Then he grew up and became the Property Chairman — what a shock to learn that someone (and usually more than one someone) was constantly working to be sure that happened.  So, if you’re a new Christian, or even the member of a large church, you may not be aware of exactly what those church leaders are doing every month or week to make your experience of worship, fellowship and Christian education a good one.

Here are some of the things different members of our Church Council do:  they attend monthly meetings;  they manage the church’s money — that means making deposits, record keeping and preparing a budget;  if something breaks down, they fix it or hire someone who can;  they may have to get estimates for needed work;  they do routine maintenance around the church;  they get the snow shoveled;  they schedule events;  they keep minutes of every meeting;  and more.

The Board of Elders help the Pastor with visiting and staying in touch with those who are ill or shut in;  they contact inactive members;  they help with planning worship services;  they pray for the whole congregation.  They make sure that worship continues when the Pastor is ill or on vacation

Then there are Sunday School teachers who plan lessons and review educational materials;  women’s leaders who provide food for fellowship luncheons;  the list could go on and on.

All of these people are volunteers.  They do these things for Jesus and for others. They spend their time, and often money, to keep the church running smoothly. They deserve our gratitude and appreciation, but often their efforts are ignored, or worse yet, criticized.

There are many easy ways to encourage our church leaders.  I still remember the person who thanked me for serving on the church council!  That’s all it takes to make someone’s day.  Send a note, make a call, ask what you can do to help your church  or just show up.  Tell them you pray for them every day, and then do it!  You don’t have to be a leader to help your leaders.  Your efforts will be appreciated more than you know.