Encouraging “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8

Encouraging Definition Good Biblical Example: Paul and Barnabas The supernatural Functional Gift that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to encourage, stimulate faith, counsel, support and strengthen those in the body of Christ in such a way that they feel helped and healed. Good Biblical Example: Paul and Barnabas

Encouraging Characteristics Loves to prescribe precise steps of action to aid personal growth. Enjoys working with those eager to follow steps of action. Will encourage others to develop in their personal ministry. Finds truth in experience and validates it with Scripture. Loves to do personal counseling. Dislikes teaching that is not followed by practical application. Accepts people where they are. Non-judgmental. Loves to encourage others to live victoriously. Expects a lot of self and others.

Encouraging Potential Weaknesses Tends to interrupt others in eagerness to give advice or opinion. Prefers to witness with their life rather than through verbal witnessing. Will use Scriptures out of context in order to make a point. May be “cut and dry” in prescribing steps of action. Emphasis on steps of action may appear to oversimplify the problem. Can become overly confident in prescribed steps of action.

Encouraging Job Description Principle Function: To oversee prayer for the spiritual well being of the team and it’s members. An Encourager enjoys counseling and encouraging people and often visits people when they see a need arise. This gifting takes a load off of the Senior Pastor because individuals are taken care of at a group level.

Encouraging Job Description Call between 4 and 12 people every week. Counseling group members, if needed. Getting together and keeping in contact with group members – maintaining friendships. Knowing the attendance and commitment of the members. Keeping confidentiality.

Encouraging Job Description They should never call less than 4 each week and when they get more than 12 individuals on their team, a new Encourager should be found to help them with the duty. On average they should call about 6-7 people each week.

Encouraging Job Description It is important that the Encourager DOES NOT act as a “watch dog.” The phone call is simply to pray for the person they are calling, not to question them as to why they missed the last meeting or service. No one likes a “watch dog,” but everyone enjoys a “prayer partner.”

Encouraging Job Description Helpful Hint: The Encourager needs to telephone their 6-7 people each week and say something like… “Hi, this is your prayer partner, last week we were praying for your mom, how is she doing? What would you like me to pray about this week? We have found that when the Encourager calls and prays for their team members who had missed a meeting the individual will typically volunteer why they were not there, without prompting.

Encouraging Job Description Encouragers must also know how to keep confidence. They cannot share what has been told to them in confidence. Not even the Senior Pastor. To do so would violate that confidence and destroy the entire pastoral care program of the church. If they do hear something that troubles them and they feel the Senior Pastor should know about it, they need to encourage the individual to go and share it with the Senior Pastor. They may even volunteer to go with them. It is imperative that this person not be marked as a gossiper or slanderer.

Encouraging Job Description Helpful Hint: It is typical for an active member of the church to have at least two prayer partners calling them each week. The reason for this is that each member is usually involved in two areas of ministry that have Encouragers calling each week.

Conclusion What will you do?

Understanding your Passions and your Interests