Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

‘There are people-more than a handful, I’d say-who find fault with me. Things I say, or don’t say, deeds I do, or don’t do, attitudes they detect in me or detect the absence of. Sometimes, I’m scorned or scolded for personality deficiencies, which-admittedly-I abound in. I am not warm and cuddly like pastor so-and-so. I am too bloody-minded, or-conversely-an incurable soft touch. I don’t preach a clear vision. I do preach a clear vision, but not a compelling one. I do preach a compelling vision, but compelling us towards the wrong ends. I talk too much about money from the pulpit. I don’t talk about it enough.’ Mark Buchanan: ‘Spiritual Rhythm’, p.79.

Just about every local church will be able to relate to the above comments. The calling can prove ever so demanding, and there are times when you feel you just can’t win. It’s interesting that the writer to the Hebrews takes a pragmatic approach here. He says, in effect, be the kind of supportive congregation your leaders will enjoy shepherding. It’s not particularly good for churches to have unhappy leaders. Those who have ”authority” over others, under God, carry an enormous responsibility, so help them all you can.

This doesn’t mean, of course, that church leaders can never be wrong, or go wrong, and there may be times when we need to challenge them in kindness and love. But if it has to be done, let it be carried out sensitively and thoughtfully. Gossiping about them, rather than going to them personally, is not the right way.

Think about how you would like to be corrected, and let this guide your approach.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for our leaders. I see they are your gifts to the church. Help them in their challenges and struggles today. I acknowledge that they may well be carrying burdens I know nothing about. Help me to love them, serve them, follow them and pray for them. I ask that I will be one who makes their ministry a joy.