Pastor John DeSoto,
Mira Mesa Assembly of God, Mira Mesa:

In I Corinthians 16:18, we find the expression, “For they refreshed my spirit.” Three men had given the apostle Paul information about the church that had cheered him up. Their presence and conversation “refreshed” his spirit.

When members share with their pastor some genuine good news about the church, they cheer him up. Pastors love to hear how the church is meeting their needs. How they are truly growing spiritually. How much they are faithfully supporting the various ministries with their prayers, attendance and giving. This kind of information validates his ministry and he feels his hard work has not been in vain.

Nothing encourages a pastor’s heart more than to hear how God is blessing the people he ministers to week to week.

A good word from members not only ministers to their pastor but goes a long way to “refresh his spirit.”

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Pastor Steve Ito,
Stone Gate Bible Fellowship, San Marcos:

By truly loving the Lord God with everything and loving one another as themselves. (Mark 12:30,31) While this may not be the answer that you might be expecting, this can significantly minister to your pastor in the following ways.

First, your pastor most likely entered the ministry because he saw Jesus’ beauty (glory) and understood that Jesus is worthy of all the praise and glory we can give Him. Therefore, when the pastor begins to see the congregation that he loves, glorifying and loving the Lord Jesus through obedience, it brings him great joy in seeing His Lord respected and loved.

Second, it affirms the Lord’s hand on the ministry to which Jesus has called the pastor. Through seeing the congregation growing in their love for Christ and love for each other, the pastor can hear the Lord saying “well done good and faithful servant.”