The Ministry of Encouragement

The Ministry of Encouragement

I am writing this particular piece at the encouragement of my wife.  In some ways it follows on well from the previous one, which generated a lot of interest and requests to re-publish.

Throughout the week we have been following an ITV series called “The Voice Kids”.  As a singer I have found this series enthralling and I am looking forward to the final this evening.  Three people from the pop world, Danny Jones, Pixie Lott and will.i.am are three coaches searching for a singing star of the future.  For the benefit of those who are unfamiliar with the programme, individual children have performed a song to an audience while the three judges sit with their back to the performer.  They make a decision on the basis of the voice alone as to whether they are willing to coach the singer.  If the child gets through this stage they can choose their coach.  This is followed by a stage in which the children compete with one another.  Some are eliminated.  Just six children will sing competitively tonight.

There are several things that have made this series special for me.  Firstly, the vocal talent of the children, Secondly, the lack of pretentiousness from both the children and the judges.  Thirdly the love and support of the families.  Fourthly - and for me hugely important - the encouragement given by the three pop superstars.  The love for the children blends with sensitive mentoring.  There is no condescension or patronising.  The children are given respect and the best performance drawn from them.

There are some 39 references to encouragement in the New Testament, and I feel that this is a neglected ministry in which we should all be involved.  Writing to the Christians in Rome, Paul exhorts them to be humble and use the particular gifts God has given them.  Included in this list is a gift of encouragement (See Romans 12: 3-8)  The thought that this might be a ministry gift is very interesting, and I wonder whether you can spot the person or people in your church that have this gift.  In some situations it might be a gift exercised from the platform; but it might be a ministry of some in the congregation.

But while some may have this particular gift, we are all called upon to take part in this ministry of encouragement.  Twice in his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul writes about encouraging one another. (1Thes. 4:18 and 1 Thes.5:11).  If this ministry of encouragement is important we need to ask ourselves when did we last receive encouragement in our faith and when did we last give some encouragement to others. Encouragement stimulates and motivates the receiver.

It is also worthwhile considering the form in which encouragement might be given.  It could be as simple as a “thank you”.  As a preacher, I am grateful for kind words from members of the congregation regarding what I have said.  The best encouragement in that connection is when someone says that they have learned something new of felt challenged.  But all in the church, not just the preacher, need occasional encouragement, including those who do the menial tasks.

But I want to return to the inspiration from “The Voice Kids” that started me on this subject.  The caring and supportive attitude of the three judges is a perfect model for what should be seen in our churches.  It is clear that the children admire their mentors, but the judges do not exploit that.  They adopt a humble approach and pour out encouragement in equal measure to the unsuccessful as well as the successful.  It brought to my mind the occasion on which for the first time, I encouraged some of the Christian children in our church to serve the communion elements to the adults.  Think of all that was communicated to those children by that act.  So actions as well as words are important.

While all need some encouragement, those who are younger or newer to the faith, and those going through tough times, should be our focus of concern.  Saul of Tarsus was still a relatively new Christian when he benefited from encouragement from Barnabas.  (Acts 9:26-28)

The wisdom and encouragement given by the three popstars, is given to those who will eventually replace and outshine them.  This should be our aim in the church context too.  We should be encouraging those who may well outshine us.  In a recent sermon by a colleague on the feeding of the 5,000, he suggested that we might consider ourselves to be bread, broken to meet the needs of others.  The disciples on that occasion may have shared in the miracle, but it was the bread that was spent.  Perhaps encouragement motivated by love should always have a sacrificial character.

I was just 17 when I was asked by local ministers to give my testimony in an open air meeting.  A year later, during a mission in a Salvation Army church, the Officer in charge insisted that I should speak at the Sunday Morning Service (much to the disapproval of the mission team leader).  Some 26 years later I hesitantly sang a gospel solo for the first time, and was amazed to be asked by members of the congregation whether I had any CDs for sale.  Would I still be preaching and singing today had I not received encouragement?

So, please join with me encouraging others.  Who knows what such an investment might earn!

Barry Osborne - 20th July 2018