Someone said recently that modem pastorates look like the road from Kuwait City to Baghdad after the Gulf War-burned out and abandoned. As "point men" for the new move of God, pastors in local churches today stand face to face with the enemy's fire in every aspect of their lives. While they proclaim the gospel, Satan shoots fiery darts aimed at destroying their marriages, undermining their confidence, stealing their health, and tearing down their standing in the community. The attacks can come from outside the church or even from within the church itself, and fire from our own sheep can be the most deadly of all. As a pastor, I know this to be true.
Recently, a prayer seminar I was scheduled to do at a church in the south was cancelled. I received the following note from the pastor: "Prior to the Aldersgate Conference in '92 I was preaching on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. I returned home more determined than ever to preach for the renewal of the church. What I managed to do is to stir up both that which is wonderful and that which is ugly and painful. It is not the time for a prayer conference. There is much opposition to it. My future here is uncertain and I must be sensitive to God's backing one day at a time. I covet your prayers."
The casualties from Satan's war on pastors are all around us. Sex scandals in the church abound. Thousands of pastors each year are being removed or are retiring early because they are burned out. Divorce, and even suicide, are not unheard of tragedies in parsonage families.
So why are pastors under such heavy attacks from the enemy? Satan knows, "Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter." He has been striking at shepherds since the first pastors of the early church began preaching the name of Jesus. Pastor Paul was shipwrecked, snake-bitten, thrown in prison, run out of town, beaten, stoned and left for dead—all for proclaiming the gospel. In Acts 20:23, he says, "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prisons and hardships are facing me." Barnabas, John, and Stephen experienced the same kinds of persecutions and opposition in every city where they preached. The Book of Acts contains example after example of how the message of Jesus incited riots along with revivals. Jesus even told his disciples, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15:20).
But something else is very clear in Acts. The early church members prayed diligently for their pastors at all times. They prayed for doors of ministry to be opened; they prayed for anointing; they prayed for protection when their pastors were threatened, and for rescue when they were in anger. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:11, "Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." Jesus also modeled a way to pray for pastors when he said, "I pray for them… Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name..." (John 17:9-10). If Jesus saw the need to pray for pastors, so should we!
God wants your pastor to be fruitful. By praying the Word over him you can make sure that he is blessed and protected. As a layperson, you can begin to build a prayer hedge around him by claiming the Scriptures in his behalf. Don't wait for your shepherd to ask for prayer—he may not. Many pastors are reluctant to seek prayer from their flock, perhaps out of fear, or pride, or even humility. Some are afraid to reveal their needs; others may feel they are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers, therefore they shouldn't need prayer. Still others may think that they simply don't deserve special prayer when so many in their congregations are hurting.
Take the initiative to begin praying for your pastor anyway. Your prayers will make a difference in his life and ministry.
In order for your prayer hedge to be most effective prayer must be deliberate and intentional. A prayer program in your church must be as well planned as the annual pledge campaign, having goals, recruitment, training, appreciation, feedback, and renewal. It will take time to develop, but be persistent. Here are some suggestions to help you begin to organize a prayer force:
1. Share you intentions with your pastor so he knows what you are planning to do. Be genuine, sincere sensitive and discreet. Ask for his advice and concerns. Move slowly for long term gain.
2. Work with existing prayer ministries. Start by involving singles' groups or Sunday school classes. If your church has a prayer room, make sure it contains instructions on how to pray for the pastor.
3. Choose a model which will enable people to "train the hedge." Find a training tool for prayer, and allow your own program to develop.
4. Recruit people to "pray in" the hedge. Start small and go for consistency and quality. Choose those who are mature or already praying. Don't overlook the mighty praying potential of shut-ins, elderly members, or children. Share the pastor's vision with those you recruit. Give them a specific time frame in which to pray, and give them feedback.
5. Consider various places where a prayer hedge might grow in your church. In my church people pray for me in the prayer room while I preach. Some pastors meet with their hedges early Sunday morning to pray. Sunday school classes can make prayer for the pastor a routine part of their meetings, or a layperson could be designated each week to pray for the pastor as part of the service.
6. Consider opening a prayer room in your church to pray for your minister and other ministers in your city. I have written a book, Making Room to Pray (Bristol), devoted entirely to helping churches build such places for intercession.
In 1987, I went through a time of personal crisis and burnout. I was pastoring a large church, traveling frequently, and trying to handle all the responsibilities myself. My life seemed out of control and unmanageable. At the same time, my church was going through several difficult staff crises, and I finally crashed and burned. Then I started to practice my own message! I asked people to pray for me, and I entered into a whole new relationship with my flock. I am convinced that I would not be where I am today without the prayers of the saints.
Praying for your pastor is your responsibility and privilege. As you honor your leader, you will honor God. Satan is prowling around like a rearing lion looking for a pastor to devour, and he attacks the most vulnerable areas of our lives. It is open season on pastors; and without prayer hedges we have little protection from the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Will you be the one to stand in the gap for your shepherd?
Terry Teykl is pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas, and the author of Making Room To Pray from Bristol House Ltd. (800) 451-READ.