I recently had the opportunity to hear Pastor Chris Manginelli speak. He shared about the last couple years of his ministry and, more recently, the difficulties he’s faced as a pastor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hearing his heart and the challenges he’s faced, I knew many more pastors are struggling in the same ways.
Listening to Chris, I was reminded that we are all called to care about those in our congregations and communities in need, and also to care about those around the world in need.
The same day I heard Chris speak, I spoke to several Foursquare national leaders from around the world. The weight on their shoulders is also great from the challenges they face daily. As I spoke to these national leaders, they shared stories from pastors in their countries who cannot put food on their tables right now. It was so difficult to hear about what they and the pastors they lead are facing on a daily basis.
Unlike many of the “safety nets” we have in the U.S. right now during pandemics and tragedies, many pastors and churches around the globe do not have similar resources or access to aid. When their churches are closed, and they are quarantined at home, bi-vocational pastors aren’t able to work at their jobs. When economies are shut down, these pastors have no one they can turn to for help.
Pastoring is plain hard wherever you are, and right now it’s even harder, but I’m thankful for Foursquare leaders around the world. Now they need us to step in and help them.
Remember: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:9-10, NIV).
Jesus is with us. He loves us, and we have opportunities right in front of us to stand shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, with pastors in our own cities and nation, and around the world, all of whom are feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Prayer + Reflection
- Pray for Foursquare pastors around the globe right now as some are in real need and struggle to put food on their tables. Ask that God would provide all their needs.
- Pray for people worldwide who are hungry to be fed physically and spiritually. Ask the Lord to lessen the economic impacts of COVID-19 and to protect the vulnerable.
- Pray for the strength, wisdom, grace and peace of pastors here in the U.S. and around the world during these challenging times.
- As we move into the Advent season, let’s lift up those for whom this holiday season will be one of intense grief and loss, those struggling to make ends meet, and those feeling isolated from friends and family. Ask the Lord for a spirit of giving, fellowship and peace to permeate our lives in this difficult year.
To give to help fellow Foursquare pastors in need in 33 nations, donate at Adopt-a-Pastor. You can download the Church Action Kit to learn how to connect your congregation to the need this Christmas.
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