It’s easy to be a destroyer, but much more effort is required to be a builder. One of the tools used by builders is encouragement. The word used in the New Testament is sometimes translated comfort, consolation, exhortation or entreaty.
If you want to be an encouragement to your assembly here are at least ten ways. (At Dearborn, the seminar participants came up with at least another twenty.)
1. Be there! (Acts 28:14-15; Heb. 10:25). Attendance at all assembly meetings is an encouragement. It gives a sense of security in the assembly if you are always there. It gives an opportunity to minister to others. It sets an example. It is based on self-discipline and duty, not convenience. Be there.
2. Be in prayer about problems–and blessings! (Jas. 5:16b-18). The discipline of prayer indicates whether we are interested in solutions to assembly problems, or just interested in talking about them. Men and women of prayer add a necessary spiritual dimension to the fellowship. It too sets an example. It is the only solution. It works. By the way, while we’re praying about problems, don’t forget about the things we have to be thankful for. There are many. The hymn writer advised us to count them; she predicts the list will surprise us. Try it.
3. Be interested in the gospel (Phil. 1:5; 1 Thess. 1:8). Gospel work brings us together. It shows us who the real enemy is. It keeps things in their proper perspective. It reminds us we are all sinners saved by grace. It wins lost men and women. This isn’t about gift. Do what you can to encourage gospel work in your assembly.
4. Hold a Bible conference (Neh. 8:1-12; Acts 18:27). A day or two given to the Word of God refreshes Christians. It is an opportunity to work together. It is an opportunity to fellowship with others. It is a reason to invite gifted Bible teachers to your area. (Most preachers I know love to go to small conferences in isolated areas. Call them. Invite them.) It is an opportunity to provide ministry to area assemblies. It’s a good idea.
5. Visit (Acts 18:26). Apollos got a lot of help from that home of Priscilla and Aquila. Maybe you can visit people in their home. You don’t need to go with a heavy agenda. A warm friendly short visit can work wonders. Maybe you can invite people to your home. Maybe you can meet someone at a coffee shop. Visiting with believers is vastly neglected, yet it is one of the most effective means of building up the assembly.
6. Speak a word, send a card, send an e-mail (Prov. 15:23; 25:11; Isa. 50:4). You would be surprised how much encouragement the right word at the right time brings. There is never a right time for a wrong word. And there is sometimes a wrong time for even a right word. Make an effort to communicate encouragement. Best we keep our tongues busy speaking the right word. Otherwise they get busy speaking the wrong word.
7. Pray for the elders (Heb. 13:7; 1 Tim. 5:17). Praying for someone changes our whole focus. We no longer get to complain, criticize or condemn them. Elders are God’s men and means of caring for the flock. With all their faults and mistakes, they are worthy of our prayer.
8. Enjoy the Lord and His Word in your own life (1 Tim. 4:12-16). This is how the encourager keeps from getting discouraged. Paul faced many discouragements, but he knew the Lord’s fellowship. Others will be affected by your enjoyment sooner or later. Keep at it.
9. Be a peacemaker (Phil. 4:2; Mt. 5:9). The flesh likes to fan the flames of conflict, but spiritual believers engage in the more difficult task of peacemaking. We don’t need to be in the middle of every assembly problem, but when asked, make sure we contribute to peace.
10. Learn to be a worshipper (Ps. 122:1; 1 Pet. 2:1-10). Worship is the believer’s highest occupation. It gives the Lord His rightful place and puts everything else in its place. It will move the hearts of believers so their hearts and minds will be in the right place. Worship is the ultimate objective of the Lord in saving us. (Jn. 4:23). If you can do nothing else, learn to be a worshipper!