Monday, March 25, 2024
“Pray for Church Staff”
We open Holy Week with an easy but very important Lenten Challenge. Today’s Challenge is to pray for your local church or chapel staff. Any prayer will do, but let’s be encouraged to think specifically about several different members of the staff and pray for their work and well-being.
Why is this so important? Working in the church can be extremely difficult, especially this time of year. Many churches have just concluded their Palm Sunday services and now congregations are looking forward to special events later this week, such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter carnivals, and multiple services on Easter Sunday. In most situations, it’s the church staff that coordinates and implements all of these events. But, of course, don’t forget that the church staff still needs to complete their regular work-related tasks this week.
The staff is working overtime this week without being compensated for the extra hours. They are working diligently to keep the Choir and Music Directors calm. Church staff are monitoring their pastors closely, as the pressure of Holy Week arrives like a tidal wave. The staff is also helping to coordinate lots of volunteers, without whom none of it would be possible.
Yes, these dedicated people chose to work for the church. However, they are also called by God for their vocational service, which is much different than working for other employers. They are working for God, first and foremost, offering their best effort because none of them want to give anything less than their best for God.
But wait! There’s more! Visitors and guests who might not attend any other Sunday will be coming to church for these services and events. Pastors and staff want to create a meaningful experience that is problem-free, welcoming, beautiful, and, above all, and as previously mentioned, the best for The LORD. You might call this Super Bowl Week. “But we just did that at Christmas!”, you say. You are correct! All the more reason your pastors and staff need your prayers. The physical, mental, and emotional desire to perform for The LORD and His people is at a maximum this week!
Your prayers for these dedicated people will be much appreciated and are needed. Like most of us, they want to experience Easter weekend with their loved ones and friends, but their experience won’t be like yours. Staff schedules are much different than everyone’s because they will often be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Rest assured, they are enjoying this week, too. But their fuel tanks are probably running low and could use a quick pick-me-up. Prayers can do that.
Pray for your church folks today and remember them throughout this week! It’s Holy Week! It’s Easter Week! Hosanna! It’s time!
“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a, NIV)
