Thoughts for Life: #35 Pastors Have More Influence and Visibility

C. Peter Wagner tells us from his book, PRAYER SHIELD:

#4. "The fourth reason why pastors need intercession more than other Christians is that by the very nature of their ministry they have more influence on others.

If a pastor falls, more people are hurt and set back in their spiritual lives than if others fall.

The ripple effect is incredibly devastating. Strong Christians are crushed by the hypocrisy and betrayal they feel. Weak Christians take the pastor's behavior as a license for them to do likewise.

Not only does the fall of a pastor injure an untold number of people, but it also directly influences churches.

My interest in church growth always focuses strongly on the pastor because we have evidence that the pastor is the major institutional factor for determining the growth or nongrowth of a local church.

Satan hates churches that glorify God and extend God's Kingdom, and he does what he can to bring them down.

No wonder he focuses his sights on pastors.

But in the plan of God the gates of hell will not prevail against the advance of the Church (see Matt. 16:18).

Intercession for pastors is one important ingredient to release God's plan for the Church's fullest implementation.

#5. Pastors Have More Visibility. Because pastors are up front, they are constantly subject to gossip and criticism.

When church members have Sunday dinner, the pastor and the sermon of the morning are frequent topics of conversation.

People talk about the good and also the bad.

The pastor is closely observed and it is no secret.

Just knowing this places a difficult burden on pastors and they need supernatural help to
handle that situation well.

Intercession opens the way for them to receive this help."

Today’s post -#35 Pastors Have More Influence and
Visibility, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pg. 73) By Regal Books

The next post 11/14- #36 Intercession Improves Ministry

Let’s pray:

Father, we come to You with a brokenness that is sincere. We understand now that our pastors and leaders in our churches are in great need of our prayer support. Make us realize that they are depending upon us to ask Your Holy Spirit to enable them to withstand Satan's schemes to bring them down. It is evident that they cannot do their job without our support in prayer, and encouragements in ways You show us. We ask this in the precious Name of Christ, our Savior, Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 2 Kings 2:9c "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." (and upon my pastor!)

Today’s quote: Brenda K. Hendricks – “Like our physical bodies, our souls crave spiritual food. We can choose healthy nourishment through devoting time to Bible study and prayer. Or we can choose to feast on junk. But be sure one way or the other our souls will be fed today.”

Some thoughts today: No temptation shall overtake you, that God will not make a way of escape. You are not under sin any longer. Remember, you’re the King’s kid! Walk in the Spirit, and do not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Flee from what’s tempting you! The controlling Authority is the Holy Spirit. Ask for help!

- Life has a way of beating us up. Jesus sees everything, and knows our stories. God wants to touch humanity through humanity. When we get involved in a need, things get exciting! We can be part of His answer for someone. Something happens when we offer to be a part of the situation. Ask, ‘Who is it that I can help?"

Thursday's post: #36 Intercession Improves Ministry C. Peter Wagner

Saturday's post: A Happy Have-Not Faye Field

Sunday's post: The Price of Integrity Nate Stevens

Tuesday's post; #37 Secrets of Pastors' Prayer Lives C. Peter Wagner

A popular post: Vicarious Intercession Oswald Chambers: "Our approach to God is due entirely to the vicarious identification of our Lord with sin. We have “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.”