Encouragement

[Coaching Lesson #3 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Developing Trusting Relationships, Phase 2]

Encouragement is the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. Effective leaders know that they must keep hope alive. They infuse those around them with optimism. Despite of how bad things can be, they encourage others to persevere and not give up.



Encouragement moves people forward and keeps them going despite the difficulties that they may face. All of us need to be encouraged.

Case Study: Barnabas—“Son of Encouragement” (Acts 9:26-27)

No other person in the New Testament models the ability to encourage others more than Barnabas.

The disciples were understandably afraid of Saul/Paul. Previously he had persecuted the followers of Christ and they were understandably reluctant to believe in his conversion. Barnabas encouraged the apostles to accept Saul as a brother in Christ. Later, he provided the support Saul needed to launch his ministry and take the gospel to the Gentile nations. Barnabas’ ongoing ministry of encouragement eventually separated him from Paul when he insisted on giving John Mark another chance. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul acknowledged Mark’s usefulness in ministry, implying perhaps, that he was wrong and Barnabas was right. One could possibly say: “No Barnabas, no Apostle Paul. No Barnabas, no Gospel of Mark.”

Effective leaders, like Barnabas, sustain hope by offering words of support. Who needs your encouragement?

Encouragement: Paul’s Farewell Speech to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:13-38)

Paul’s final meeting with the Ephesian elders gives us some very good guidance on how to uplift and encourage others. Paul’s words, despite the hardships and difficulties that both he and his audience would later face, serve as an example of how we too can encourage others.

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain in your own words why encouragement is an important tool that all Christian leaders must have.
2. In what ways can you encourage pastors and church leaders who are discouraged and considering giving up?
3. How can you encourage your followers to step out in faith and take on a greater role in your church by leading a small group, Sunday school class, or other ministry?
4. In what ways do you need encouragement right now? Do you have a small group of leaders who you can turn to when you need encouragement?