Anchored in Christ

My friend and pastor Brandon Myers pointed out in recent sermon a phrase I had never thought much about from Hebrews 13:17.

I remembered the first part, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” 

But the second half of the verse struck me like lightning: “Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (emphasis added).

According to this verse, congregants are to seek the joy of their pastors.

Ways to increase your pastor’s joy

Brandon asked 20 pastors what their congregations did that increased their joy as those who watch over their souls and will have to give an account (Hebrews 13:17). Here are their answers:

My joy increases when:

1. They hunger for the word of God.
2. When they grow in godliness.
3. They are willing to serve.
4. They are willing to be in a Life group.
5. When they join the church.
6. When they open God’s Word and apply it.
7. When they tell me specifically how God is working their life.
8. When they seek each other out ask each other for forgiveness after someone wrongs another.
9. When they are hospitable.
10. When they are thankful.
11. When people I have ministered to minister to others.
12. When they boldly share the good news of Jesus Christ.
13. When they follow Jesus amidst family and community persecution.
14. When they obey the Lord even when it is difficult.
15. When they encourage me.
16. When they are passionate about truth.
17. When there is a humble acknowledgment of sin.
18. When they love their neighbors well.
19. When they love the weak, poor and vulnerable around them.
20. When they bring me in on their greatest joys.
21. When they bring me in on their greatest trials and sorrows.
22. When they let the Lord heal relationships.
23. When they ask me for advice or counsel before acting.
24. When they ask how they can serve and then serve wherever.
25. When they sing to the Lord with joy.
26. When they do hard things for the Lord.
27. When they kill sin.
28. When they magnify Christ.
29. When they respond to the Bible.
30. When people show up to pray.
31. When people receive correction with gratitude.
32. When they give others the benefit of the doubt.
33. When they show mercy.
34. When they are my friend.
35. When they are hospitable.
36. When they are Bereans as in Acts 17 and search the Scriptures.
37. When they seek out biblical counsel.
38. When they are biblically discerning.
39. When they love my family.
40. When they have bold faith ready to venture for Christ’s fame.
41. When they give generously and faithfully.
42. When they are unified in love.
43. When they are good to each other.
44. When they pray for each other, the nation, for the gospel to run around the world.
45. When I find out they are helping others toward the Lord Jesus.
46. When they express care and concern for each other.
47. When God’s glory is their greatest concern.

Let me add three for an even 50:

1. When their hunger for growth makes them participate in several church groups.
2. When they pray for their pastors.
3. When they encourage their pastor.