7 Suggestions on How to be a Barnabas to Other Ministers

Jointly authored by Jeff & Dale

Dad had a great sermon he called "Mister, Brother, Encourager." Here are a few lines from it: "The apostles gave nicknames and to Joses, they called him ENCOURAGER. Today I want to read to you about Brother Encourager. He didn't get this name accidentally, it was earned. I hope you will resolve today to earn this same name. To be known as an encourager."

Every preacher needs at least one Barnabas in his life and many of us try to be one. We want to encourage you to be a Barnabas. Here are a few suggestions that might help you. The main thing is to be proactive. Start today, you never know whose ministry you may save and what souls that man will influence to the Lord.

1. When you see or hear about a struggling preacher reach out to him. All preachers struggle. We are all human. We have to remove these facades that we don't, otherwise, we cannot bear each others burdens. Be honest. If we all leave the impression that everything in our life is roses and perfection then we will all remain hypocrites. Do not wait for them to struggle to reach out: So much of this is about relationship building. If the first time a fellow laborer hears from you it is after they have had a public struggle or issue they may not answer that call.

2. Share in their ministry: We really are on the same side. Sometimes our pettiness may be jealously or our own insecurities unmasked. Yes, in the same town we will sometimes "share" members. Pre-determine you will not let that destroy the richness of unity between brothers and between congregations. So, be a part of what they are doing: Offer to help. You might use one of these questions. “What are you excited about that I could help you with?” Or “What are you struggling to get done that I can help you with?”

3. When a fellow preacher stumbles in sin or is dismissed he feels rotten and useless. Like God could never use him again. We've lost some good and effective men to that mentality. We don't have to re-preach "the God of the Second-Chance" sermon to ourselves, do we? Throughout the history of the world, God has used those who messed up to do some of His best work. Reach out, don’t pile on. Remember, but by the grace of God go I. Would you want your worst sin to be publicized and discussed?

4. If you are a veteran preacher, find a younger preacher or more than one, contact them and take them out for a meal, a cup of coffee, a glass of tea. Let them know that you understand much of what they are dealing with, tell them you've been there and you are available to try to help them. Follow up, often.

5. If you are a younger preacher, find an older guy whom you respect or more than one. Call him and ask him questions about situations you are dealing with. If he is what he should be, he will not be too busy. He'll be extremely helpful to you.

6. Make calls, send texts, just to encourage. Think about a preacher you know who might be isolated. Call them, text them, visit them, regularly. Make yourself available. Commend something the preacher you want to encourage for something good or helpful he has done. Call him on his birthday, or send a happy birthday text. Tell him you are thankful for him, that you appreciate him. Send a note now and then and tell him you are praying for him (and by the way, if you do that, please make sure you are praying for him)!

7. When a new preacher moves into your area, get a group of preachers together, and take him to lunch. Give him a chance to get to know others and see that there are some really great men in the area where he has moved.

It really begins with our love for the work we are attempting to do and loving our fellow preachers. We have to be intentional about our love and appreciation for one another if we want to be a Barnabas. If I really love the Lord and His work more than I love myself, why wouldn't I want to be a Barnabas to others?

Make a list right now of guys you will reach out to today. They may read this and be thinking about calling or texting you. Someone has to be first. Why not start right now?