Month: September 2024

Powerful Reminders for Pastors

Powerful Reminders for Pastors

Powerful Reminders for Pastors

1. If God is Calling You, the Details Won’t Matter

When God places a calling on your life, the specifics often become secondary. The worries about finances, the fear of not having enough support, or the voices of those who doubt you—all these fade into the background when you’re certain of God’s call. Remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). If God has truly called you, He will provide everything you need to fulfill that calling. This assurance is seen repeatedly throughout Scripture, from Abraham’s journey to a new land (Genesis 12:1-3) to the provision for Elijah during the drought (1 Kings 17:4-6). Trust that He will make a way where there seems to be no way. When God is behind you, no obstacle is insurmountable, and no challenge is too great. His divine purpose will always come to fruition, regardless of the hurdles you face.

2. You Can’t Compare Your Context to Another’s

In an age dominated by social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. We see pastors with larger congregations, more resources, or seemingly more successful ministries, and we can start to feel inadequate. But God has placed you in your specific context for a reason. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:12, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” Whether you shepherd a small flock or a large congregation, be faithful to the ministry God has entrusted to you.

Remember, in the parable of the talents, the servant who was faithful with little was praised just as much as the one who was faithful with much (Matthew 25:21). Your value is not determined by numbers but by your faithfulness to God’s call. Embrace the uniqueness of your ministry, knowing that your impact is not measured by worldly standards but by heavenly ones. God’s plan for you is uniquely tailored, and your obedience in that plan is what truly matters.

3. Your Critics Don’t Determine Your Worth—Jesus Does

Criticism is an inevitable part of pastoral ministry. It’s astounding how freely people will offer their opinions—sometimes just before you step up to preach. These words can linger, causing self-doubt and discouragement. But the opinions of others do not define your worth. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8). While it’s important to listen to constructive criticism and grow from it, never allow negative comments to overshadow the truth of who you are in Christ. Your worth is determined by Jesus, who laid down His life for you (John 10:11). His voice should be the loudest in your life, guiding and affirming your every step. The affirmation of Christ is eternal, unlike the fleeting judgments of people. Let His words and His love be the foundation upon which you stand, unshaken by the opinions of others.

4. Never Stay in Any Ministry Position for a Paycheck

Staying in a ministry role purely for financial security is a dangerous path. It’s unfair to you, to the church, and to the calling God has placed on your life. Jesus warned about the dangers of serving two masters in Matthew 6:24, stating, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Ministry should always be about fulfilling God’s purpose, not about the paycheck. If you find yourself in a position where your heart is no longer in the ministry, it’s crucial to seek God’s direction and possibly consider a change. Your calling is far too significant to be reduced to a financial transaction. God’s provision is limitless, and when you walk in faith, He will provide in ways you never imagined. Staying true to your calling ensures that your ministry is driven by passion and purpose, not by the need for financial security.

5. Your Calling is Bigger Than Your Current Position

It’s easy to get caught up in the title or the role you currently hold. But always remember, your calling is not to a position—it’s to a person, Jesus Christ. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Your identity and worth come from being a disciple of Christ, not from the title you hold or the church you lead. You serve at His pleasure, on His timing, and by His permission. This perspective is essential when things don’t go as planned in your ministry. Whether you’re facing challenges in your current role or contemplating a transition, remember that your ultimate calling is to follow Jesus wherever He leads. Titles may come and go, but your relationship with Christ is eternal and unchanging. The impact you make for His kingdom transcends any earthly position, echoing into eternity.

6. You Have One Soul—Guard It with Your Life

Ministry can be draining, both physically and spiritually. It’s easy to become so focused on serving others that you neglect your own soul. But Proverbs 4:23 warns us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Your spiritual health is crucial not only for your well-being but also for your effectiveness in ministry. Take time to rest, to be in God’s Word, and to nurture your relationship with Him. Jesus Himself modeled this by often withdrawing to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). Guard your soul with the same intensity that you guard your flock, knowing that your ministry flows from the wellspring of your own spiritual life. Without a nourished soul, even the strongest of leaders can falter. Protect your inner life with vigilance, for it is the wellspring from which all your ministry flows.

7. You’ve Got a Friend in Jesus

Pastoring can sometimes be a lonely road. There will be times when you feel misunderstood, criticized, or isolated. But in those moments, remember that you are never truly alone. Jesus promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He is your constant companion, your source of strength, and your closest friend. Lean into Him during the tough times, trusting in His presence and His guidance. As the hymn reminds us, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.” No matter how isolated you may feel, Jesus is with you, walking alongside you every step of the way. His presence transforms solitude into a sacred space of communion and strength. In Him, you find the ultimate companionship, one that offers peace and comfort beyond measure.

Blog idea from https://ronedmondson.com/2024/04/reminders-pastors.html

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10 Hiring Mistakes Churches Make

10 Hiring Mistakes Churches Make

10 Hiring Mistakes Churches Make

Finding a new team member to join your ranks can be an exciting time for any organization. Yet, it’s a process fraught with potential pitfalls that, if overlooked, can lead to less-than-ideal outcomes. I’ve hired hundreds of people and have learned these lessons from my own successes and failures when expanding my team. Whether it’s a rush to fill a vacancy, overlooking key skills, or failing to measure cultural fit, leaders frequently trip up when adding to their teams. Let’s take a closer look at some of these common hiring mistakes, ensuring that you’re equipped to sidestep them when adding your next team member.

“Hiring people is an art, not a science, and resumes can’t tell you whether someone will fit into a company’s culture.” (Howard Schultz, Founder of Starbucks)

  1. Making The Decision By Yourself: As good as you may be in hiring people, you aren’t as good by yourself as you are with a team. Always pull in additional team members who are discerning and have proven themselves effective in interviews. A diverse team can provide multiple perspectives, catch potential red flags you might miss, and bring different criteria to the forefront, making the hiring process more robust. I believe well-structured group interviews double the odds that you’ll make a good decision, as they balance subjective biases with objective evaluations.
  2. Not Considering Alignment With Your Values: You don’t hire staff and then train them on your values. You hire staff who already align with and embody your values. The hiring process needs to include questions and exercises to ensure that the people you add to your team have a deep understanding and will live out your values from day one. This alignment isn’t just about avoiding future conflicts; it’s about building a cohesive team that operates with a shared sense of purpose, which is crucial for long-term success.
  3. Poor Role Definition: A well-defined and comprehensive job description is a prerequisite for attracting the right talent. It can be a big mistake not to properly define the role you’re hiring for. This takes time, but if you aren’t clear on what the person will do, you won’t attract the right people, and you won’t make a good decision on hiring. The clarity in the role definition sets expectations from the outset, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and ensuring that the new hire knows exactly what is expected of them, thus enhancing their productivity and job satisfaction.
  4. Slow Decision-Making: Inaction can often be perceived as indecision or lack of focus. If you’ve made up your mind about a candidate, don’t delay the hiring process. The best candidates have other options and won’t be able to wait. If it takes you six months to make a decision, the only people who will wait that long are often those who can’t get another job. Speedy decision-making, when aligned with thorough vetting, signals to the candidate that you value their time and are decisive, which can be a strong indicator of how the organization operates as a whole.When I worked with an executive search firm and placed hundreds of candidates with churches and organizations around the country, there were too many times when the best person for the role pulled out and said, “If it is taking them this long to make a decision, I don’t think I’m going to be the best fit for them.”
  1. Hiring Too Quickly: On the contrary, hasty decisions can do more harm than good. This often happens when the hiring manager (the person to whom the new staff member will report) is driving the decision. They want the job filled quickly because as long as the position is vacant, it is causing them a lot of extra work. This can result in a rushed decision, which costs thousands of dollars and months of headaches. The temptation to fill a gap quickly must be tempered by the understanding that a bad hire can set the team back significantly, not just in lost resources but also in the disruption to team dynamics.”Hiring mistakes cost a lot. Our analytics revealed that when an employee is not a good fit, the cost to the organization can reach up to six times the bad hire’s annual salary.” (Mark Murphy, CEO of Leadership IQ)
  1. Not Talking to References: Churches are notorious for not talking to references. This is especially true when we know the candidate left a tough situation. We take their word for everything that happened and don’t reach out for a conversation to get more insight or context. Even if it doesn’t change our mind about the hiring, it will help us make sure we have that person in a good place to heal and lead. Thorough reference checks can provide critical information about a candidate’s past performance, work ethic, and ability to fit into your organizational culture, all of which are vital for making an informed decision.
  2. Ignoring Gut Instinct: Data and assessments are important, but so is your gut instinct. A candidate may look great on paper, but if something feels off, it’s likely worth exploring further. Your intuition can often pick up on subtle cues that aren’t easily quantifiable, such as enthusiasm, sincerity, or potential compatibility issues. While it’s important not to rely solely on gut feelings, they can serve as a valuable check against making a decision purely based on resumes and interviews.”Trusting your gut in hiring is absolutely necessary because the cost of ignoring it could be tremendous in the long run. While qualifications and experience do count, instincts often help spot the essential soft skills which can’t be written down on paper.” (Kevin Kruse, CEO of LEADx)
  1. Hiring Doers Rather Than Leaders: I’ve worked on staff at a church with as few as 5 staff and as many as 495 staff. Whether your team is large or small, I believe in just about every case you should be hiring leaders and not doers. I know if I find a great doer, I’ll get 40 or 45 hours of work done each week. But if I find a great leader, he or she will find and lead many teams of doers, and we will see the capacity and strength of the organization multiply. Even when you need a specialist, hire one who thinks like a leader and will build teams for the tasks. Leaders bring vision, inspire others, and create a culture of growth and innovation, which is essential for the sustained success of any organization.
  2. Not Stalking Before Speaking: You have this huge hiring advantage at your fingertips called social media. Most candidates will have a historical trail of self-disclosed information about their life that will give you a glimpse into their character, values, family life, chemistry fit, and more. When you hear of a potential candidate, stalk them on social media before you ever reach out for a conversation. This digital footprint can reveal red flags or confirm positive attributes, helping you make a more informed decision. However, it’s important to approach this with professionalism and discernment, as social media personas can sometimes be misleading.A report from the University of Evansville found that more and more employers are turning to the Internet to screen applicants. The study determined that employers were able to determine with a “surprising level of accuracy” personality traits and indicators that could predict future job performance.
  1. Not Looking Inside Before You Hire Externally: Many times we are convinced we need someone from outside to take us to “the next level.” But hiring someone you don’t know and who hasn’t experienced your values and mission at a deep level is adding a level of risk that may not be necessary. People from within are those you promote, or in a church-context, those who are already volunteering in significant roles. You know their character, passion, competency, and how well they already embody your values. Unless you need disruption and wholesale change, look inside before you ever hire externally. Promoting from within not only minimizes risk but also boosts morale, as it shows your commitment to developing and valuing your existing team.Building the right team isn’t a simple task; it’s an art form infused with strategic thinking, understanding of people, and anticipation of future needs at your organization. Consider each of these potential pitfalls and learn from them, as each mistake you sidestep brings you one step closer to putting together a formidable team.

    Article from https://www.leadingsmart.com/blog/2024/4/hiring-mistakes

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

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Top 9 Essentials for Welcoming Visitors

Top 9 Essentials for Welcoming Visitors

Top 9 Essentials for Welcoming Visitors

We hope we’ve been helpful in helping your church find the right balance in regards to welcoming visitors. Now, let’s get into our list of the top 9 essentials we believe are required when welcoming new people to your church.

  1. A Strong Digital Presence

Your church’s digital presence is now the front door of your church. Before people ever step foot in a building, they’re going to check out your website, social media, and probably watch a few online sermons.

Your website and social posts should reflect a friendly and welcoming culture.

Try to use authentic photos and videos (versus stock footage) as much as possible in your digital media. What happens if guests come in and find themselves in a completely different environment than what they saw online? When that’s the case, your church can feel inauthentic.

On a practical note, make sure your service times and info are prominently displayed on your social media bios and website. Also, many churches include a “Plan Your Visit” page on their website.

Some things you can include on a “Plan Your Visit” or “What to Expect” page:

  • Address and directions
  • Schedule of services and events
  • Parking Info
  • What to wear
  • Kids and youth ministry details
  • General overview of the service flow
  • Contact form for questions
  • Church’s phone number
  1. A Friendly Atmosphere to Welcome Visitors at Church

People should have a consistent, welcoming experience from the parking lot to the auditorium. That’s why it’s important to have friendly volunteers at every stage who can offer a hand and introduce themselves.

Logistical flow matters. For example, clear signage, sufficient parking, and smiling volunteers available to offer direction are all factors that can reduce visitor stress and frustration.

Furthermore, you can designate specific parking spots, check-in lines, and seating for new visitors.

For one, this will help first-timers who are running late or have extra steps like dropping their children in kids ministry for the first time. This forethought and attention to detail also send a message: you’re not just open to new visitors coming to your church – you are eagerly anticipating them.

When it comes to creating a friendly atmosphere, nothing beats a smiling face. Don’t underestimate the power of personal touch. No, it doesn’t have to be physical touch. However, welcoming visitors with a smile and eye contact is the easiest and most impactful thing you can do to set them at ease on their first visit.

  1. Safe and Engaging Kids Ministry

If this is a parent’s first time coming to your church, they want reassurance that their kids will be safe and cared for. After all, they’re trusting you with some very precious cargo.

Your children’s ministry needs to be proactive to build and maintain that trust. You can set parents’ minds at ease by communicating well before and after service, prominently displaying safety policies, and ensuring you have an adequate number of volunteers.

Kids ministry should be an extension of your mission and values, so make sure the language and environment are congruent with your brand. Although there may be colorful, age-appropriate adaptations when it comes to look and feel, you want the same quality and consistency of experience from adult ministries to the nursery.

Parents are looking for more than a babysitting service. They expect high-quality, engaging programming that will build a foundation of faith for their children.

And remember, this isn’t about putting on a good face for parents at drop-off and pick-up. It’s truly a privilege to help kids grow in their faith. Kids are never too young to hear the good news of the gospel, experience the love of Jesus, and learn biblical truth that shapes their worldview at a pivotal age.

When parents pick up their kiddos, they’re going to ask questions such as:

  • How did it go?
  • Did you have fun?
  • What did you learn?
  • Were the teachers nice?

If the little ones have a terrible time in kids ministry and dread going back, that can derail the entire family from attending church. Kids ministry needs to be something parents feel good about and kids want to return to week after week!

  1. Clear & Relatable Messages

Everyone has questions about faith and is in a different place on their spiritual journey. When you’re looking out across the crowd, you could have brand new church members who are new to the Bible and church culture sitting next to a person who has a Master’s in theology and has been following the lord Jesus Christ for decades.

Church visitors may be apprehensive about a few things when it comes to sermons, such as:

  • Being preached at
  • Being made to feel guilty or condemned
  • Long-winded, rambling messages that are difficult to follow
  • Boring messages that are too abstract or scholarly

It’s true, there’s always an exception. For each of those points above, you can find someone who says, “No, I love that kind of sermon, it gets me fired up!” You can’t please all the people all the time, but you can focus on what the majority of people are searching for.

What kind of messages help you welcome new visitors at church?

It should be more than a motivational pep talk – people come to church to hear teaching that is biblically and theologically sound. However, consider that everyone wants a message they can understand, relate to, and apply to their personal lives.

Pastors should remember that new guests may not be familiar with Christian jargon or Bible stories. Instead of making assumptions, take the time to explain those concepts and stories. Use language that people can relate to and understand, and give them a takeaway that will stick with them throughout their week.

  1. Personable Pastors

According to the Faith Perceptions study, a personable pastor was one of the most significant factors influencing whether someone would return to a church. To be clear, people aren’t looking for a celebrity figure with a magnetic personality and huge following.

Instead, they’re looking for a shepherd who is approachable and genuine.

Some simple ways pastors can cultivate their connection with new guests include:

  • Making themselves available for prayer or questions after service
  • Filming a welcome video or sending an email to new visitors with their personal signature
  • Having a social media presence

An authentic social media presence doesn’t mean you have to share a full-length devotional each morning or a picture of your lunch every day. However, having social media accounts has become an expectation in today’s society and can be a way for people to connect with pastors on a more personal level.  People appreciate seeing the everyday, human side of their leader.

  1. Authentic Worship

Worship is more than singing. Worship is about a deep reverence and honor for God; the literal definition means to “bow down” and it’s described as both an attitude and act.

Knowing that definition will help you understand what visitors are seeking. Based on “mystery shopper” feedback, the style of music isn’t the most critical factor for visitors. Whether you’re singing contemporary hits or traditional hymns, visitors are looking to see if the congregation is engaged.

Musical quality is also a key factor, but most importantly people are looking for worship leaders who are sincere. Visitors want to see that people on stage and in the congregation actually believe and are committed to worship, not staring at their phones or going through the motions.

In the modern church context, when we refer to praise and worship, we’re talking about the time in the church services when we sing. But remember that worship is about the posture of the heart. Actions that display worship do include music and singing, but also giving, prayer, baptism, communion, and celebrating the word of God.

  1. Clear Signage

Clear signage is very important for making visitors feel welcome at a church. When people visit a church for the first time, they often do not know where to go. Clear signs can help guide them to the right places without feeling lost or confused. This may seem simple or trivial, but it can actually make the difference in whether or not a person feels safe or welcome at a church.

First, signs should be placed at the entrance of the church. These signs can direct visitors to the main areas such as the sanctuary, restrooms, and the welcome center. It is also helpful to have signs pointing to the nursery and children’s areas, so parents know where to take their kids.

Inside the church, more signs can help visitors find their way. For example, signs can point to the fellowship hall, classrooms, and offices. Clear signs are also useful for special events, showing where they are being held.

Good signage should be easy to read. Large, simple fonts and bright colors can make signs more visible. It is also helpful to use universal symbols, like a cross for the sanctuary or a restroom icon for the bathrooms.

Clear signage helps visitors feel more comfortable and confident. They do not have to worry about getting lost or feeling out of place. This small step can make a big difference in making a church welcoming and friendly.

  1. Comfortable Seating

Okay, we know, this one sounds a little silly. Is comfortable seating for visitors that important? Well it’s not a hill we would suggest dying on, but its actually quite a bit more important than you may think.

Comfortable seating is essential for making visitors feel welcome at a church. When people come to a service, they want to sit in seats that are comfortable and inviting. They may be there for an hour and a half or even more. Good seating can make their experience more pleasant and help them focus on the service.

First, the seats should be well-padded and supportive. Hard or worn-out seats can make it difficult for people to sit through the service comfortably. Chairs with soft cushions and good back support can help visitors feel more at ease.

It is also important to arrange the seating in a way that makes everyone feel included. Seats should be spaced out enough to give people room, but close enough to create a sense of community. Reserving some easily accessible seats for visitors can help them feel special and welcome.

For families with children, having special seating areas near the nursery or children’s programs can be helpful. This allows parents to sit comfortably while keeping an eye on their kids.

Additionally, having a few seats designed for elderly or disabled visitors is important. These seats should be easy to get in and out of and provide extra support if needed.

Overall, comfortable seating shows that the church cares about the comfort and well-being of its visitors. It helps create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the service.

  1. Post-Service Follow Up

What happens after Sunday services will inspire visitors to return. A well-planned follow-up strategy can be a great way to get new visitors engaged and come back for more.

A few ideas of what you might include:

  • Have pastors or volunteers available after service to connect with people.
  • Offer a follow-up book or webinar on the sermon topicand encourage people to check it out.
  • Give them an easy way to stay connected with your church with an email newsletter.
  • Connect with them on social mediato encourage their participation in your online community.
  • If you collect emails be sure to send post-sermon materials out within 48 hours, and a next step to stay connected.

In the event someone has a bad experience while visiting your church, having a follow-up process can help you gain a second chance. Gathering feedback will also help you understand where you have gaps in your welcome process.

How Can You Better Welcome Visitors at Church?

Whether it’s a strong digital presence or engaging worship, these essentials are sure to help you welcome visitors the best way you can. We encourage you to build a safe children’s ministry, deliver clear and relevant messages, and make sure your church has a nice and friendly atmosphere. All of these things combined are sure to make new visitors feel welcome and loved in your church family.

Continue to consider how you can make church feel like a home with open doors. We hope you found these tips valuable for making it a priority to welcome visitors at church. Remember, one of the most vital parts of welcoming someone is taking a personal interest in them – finding out who they are and how to help serve them better.

If you have any other comments or insights about this topic, we would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts below!

Blog from https://reachrightstudios.com/blog/7-essentials-welcome-visitors-church/

Looking for a new position? Stop by MinistryJobs.com and have a look at the jobs that are available! Ministry jobs are hard to come by and job hunting is no fun. We help ministry job seekers find their ideal role in their next ministry – for free! More than 6 million search for a job every day. Be found! Looking to list a job or an open position? We help churches and organizations get job openings in front of potential candidates. We have several plans and packages available. Today is the day!

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The Power of Praying Together

The Power of Praying Together

The Power of Praying Together

Article by Steven Lee
Pastor, Mounds View, Minnesota

Every believer desires spiritual intimacy with other believers. We may call it fellowship, community, or doing life together. God didn’t make us to be lone rangers. He saved us into the church. He called us out of the kingdom of darkness and into local expressions of the body of Christ.

And yet, spiritual community is still hard to come by. It doesn’t happen by accident. It comes as a gift from God, and he usually gives it as we intentionally cultivate Christian affection and mutual understanding. So, how might we begin cultivating this kind of life together?

One proven way to this kind of life together is that we pray together. What better way to be more united with fellow believers than to gather and bare our hearts before the throne of God together? What an opportunity and privilege! We get to go to him in prayer.

Shared Prayer Transforms Churches

Shared experiences — a concert, a vacation, an adventure — create a bond. Those memories often create deeper, more enduring affection. They can be a relational glue that holds people together. Dates and vacations with my wife have reinforced our marriage for times when life gets hard. These shared memories create tenderness, understanding, and love. In the church, similar kinds of shared life can lead to mutual appreciation, unity, and trust. I love my fellow elders more when we have endured trials together, fighting side by side in spiritual battle.

Gathered prayer can be that shared experience in a church. I’m not advocating for any particular program or event, but for prayer (formal and informal) to fill your church and bind you together. You might think of these prayer times as the furnace room of the church. Heat and warmth radiate out when God’s people gather together to pray. I’ve seen firsthand how this shared dependence on God transforms the ethos and culture of churches.

Each Sunday morning in our church, a small group gathers in the prayer room. Service will not start for another 45 minutes, but communion with the Lord has begun. We gather to call upon God to work for his glory and purposes. We sing together of his grace revealed in Christ. We lay hands on the preacher and ask for God’s word to run. We lift up our suffering saints, pleading that they would find comfort. We pray for our visitors and for our people, for our neighborhoods and for the nations. We cry out for mercy, and we confess our sins. It’s a holy moment. No fanfare, no fireworks, but again and again, we see God come, meet us, and answer our prayers.

These times of prayer together create Christlike affection for one another. What might happen if more churches devoted themselves to this kind of prayer?

Shared Prayer Unites Our Hearts

Praying together serves as connective tissue within the body. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12, envisions the church as a physical body. Every believer functions as a vital part or organ in this body. Each is unique, but all are united under Christ. To be healthy, then, requires diversity within that unity. Each different part must work together. Otherwise, the body becomes dysfunctional and ceases to work.

Paul writes, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’” (1 Corinthians 12:21). The body cannot function as it ought without each part: hands, head, feet, ears, or eyes. Each part is indispensable. Yet how do we get diverse parts working together? How do we cultivate this unusual unity, like-mindedness, and cooperation? We pray together.

When we pray together, God unites our hearts with one another. In prayer, the motives and desires of my fellow brothers and sisters are on display. I gain insight into the deep wells of their faith. I see their heart of compassion. I hear their love for the lost. I discern their affection for Christ. I perceive their steadfast faith. We gain understanding of one another, and that understanding is critical for genuine, durable love.

Prayer also sets this unity in motion. The praises of my brother spur me on to love and good works. My sister’s petitions challenge and encourage me. Others’ prayers convict me of my own shortcomings. The confessions of some cause thanksgiving to well up in my heart. In short, I receive grace while listening to the prayers of others. The diverse prayers of the body reveal the glory of God and his works as a wondrous kaleidoscope. We see and hear so much more than we could have otherwise, and this inspires us to live more fully for Christ.

Shared Prayer Multiplies Joy

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in Life Together, comments on why a believer needs other believers. He says, “The Christ in his own heart is weaker than the Christ in the word of his brother; his own heart is uncertain, his brother’s is sure” (12). Have you had moments like that, when you need the stronger, fuller, more joyful heart of a friend? God very often brings the encouragement we need through someone else. We know the truth intellectually, but when we hear others believing it and rejoicing in it out loud, the truth can land with even greater power. Their joy often brings us joy.

This dynamic plays out, again and again, when we pray together. God calls a wandering heart back through the prayers of a fellow believer. When we lack the words to pray, we can still amen the prayers of someone else. When our compassion grows cold, we can join in on the heartfelt cries of a sister. Often, I find my heart warming next to the prayers of those around me. They spoke it, but my heart and spirit rise to agree. Drawing on an image from C.S. Lewis, Tim Keller writes,

By praying with friends, you will be able to hear and see facets of Jesus that you have not yet perceived. . . . Knowing the Lord is communal and cumulative, we must pray and praise together. That way “the more we share the Heavenly Bread between us, the more we shall all have.” (Prayer, 119)

We hear and see more of Christ through fellow believers, especially through their prayers. Praying with others is a gift God gives us for the benefit of our faith. It enlivens our minds, strengthens our hearts, and empowers our hands.

No Christian runs well alone. No believer stands alone. No child of God fights alone and lives. So, devote yourselves to prayer. Get on your knees together, and pursue a supernatural unity and like-mindedness. Let Jesus knit your heart together with others through adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Praying together fans the flames of joy. So, what might God do in your church if you committed to praying more together?

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