God calls leaders to serve, but He also calls us to support them. In 3 Ways to Support Biblical Church Leadership (Hebrews 13:17-19), we’ll learn how.
3 Ways To Support Biblical Church Leadership
Let’s be real—leadership isn’t easy. Pastors carry spiritual burdens, make tough decisions, and shepherd people through life’s highs and lows. They pray for you, guide you, and sometimes lose sleep over your struggles. But here’s the question: How do we support them? Hebrews 13:17-19 gives us a clear answer.
Many people assume pastors don’t need much—after all, they’re “called by God,” right? But even the strongest leaders need encouragement. Scripture teaches that we should obey, submit, and pray for those who lead us. These aren’t suggestions; they’re commands for a healthy, thriving biblical church.
So, how can we apply this? Today, we’ll examine three simple but powerful ways to support church leadership. When we do, we not only bless our leaders—we strengthen the entire church. Let’s check out how we can support our church leadership!
1. We Obey Them (Hebrews 13:17)
“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)
A. We obey because they watch over us
Pastors aren’t just administrators running programs; they are shepherds called to care for your soul. Hebrews 13:17 says they “keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” That’s a serious responsibility! They don’t just preach on Sundays—they pray, counsel, and guide.
Think about a shepherd guarding his flock. If the sheep ignore his voice, they wander into danger. Likewise, when we ignore godly leadership, we risk spiritual harm. Pastors are accountable to God for how they lead, but we are accountable for how we follow. Will we trust God for their care?
B. We obey because it brings them joy, not grief
When we resist godly leadership, it doesn’t just frustrate them—it burdens them. Hebrews 13:17 warns that disobedience makes their work “unprofitable” for us! A discouraged pastor struggles to lead well, and when leadership suffers, the whole church feels the effects.
Imagine a coach trying to train a team that refuses to listen. Progress slows, frustration builds, and success fades. But when players cooperate and work together, the team thrives. Likewise, when we follow godly leadership with willing hearts, our pastors lead with joy, and the church grows stronger.
“This sermon material provides some suggestions for preaching on Biblical Church Leadership from Hebrews 13:17-19.”
2. We Submit to Them (Hebrews 13:17)
“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”(Hebrews 13:17-19)
A. We submit because it aligns with God’s order
God designed leadership for our good, not for control. In the church, He appoints pastors to guide, teach, and protect us spiritually (Ephesians 4:11-12). Submission isn’t blind obedience—it’s recognizing that God works through leaders to nurture our faith and strengthen the church.
Imagine a team without a coach or a classroom without a teacher. Chaos follows when no one leads. Likewise, when we resist God’s structure, disorder and division grow. Submitting to godly leadership isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. It reflects trust in God’s plan for His church and our spiritual growth.
B. We submit because it benefits us spiritually
Hebrews 13:17 warns that resisting leadership is “unprofitable” for us. When we reject godly authority, we don’t just frustrate leaders—we hinder our own spiritual progress. Submission, however, positions us to receive wisdom, correction, and encouragement that deepens our walk with Christ.
Think of a stubborn patient ignoring a doctor’s advice. Ignoring leadership leads to spiritual sickness—stagnation, confusion, and division. But when we submit with humble hearts, we thrive. God blesses a church where members trust their leaders, knowing that biblical submission brings peace, unity, and spiritual maturity.
3. We Pray for Them (Hebrews 13:18-19)
“Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.” (Hebrews 13:18-19)
A. We pray because they need integrity
Spiritual leaders face constant attacks. Temptation, discouragement, and pressure threaten their faithfulness. Hebrews 13:18 says, “We have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably.” But integrity isn’t automatic—it requires daily surrender. Leaders need our prayers to remain faithful, humble, and spiritually strong.
Imagine a lighthouse keeper neglecting his job. Over time, the light dims, and ships crash. Likewise, without prayer, leaders can drift spiritually. When we pray for their integrity, we help them stay anchored in Christ, leading with honesty, purity, and a heart fully submitted to God.
B. We pray because they need opportunities
Leaders don’t just need strength; they need open doors. The writer of Hebrews, asked for prayer so he could be “restored” (Hebrews 13:19). Ministry thrives when leaders have opportunities to teach, counsel, and share the gospel with boldness and wisdom.
Think of a soldier without supplies—he may be willing but lacks resources. Without prayer, leaders may struggle to fulfill their calling. When we pray for God to open doors, provide strength, and give wisdom, we encourage and empower them to lead effectively and advance God’s kingdom with confidence.
Conclusion
Supporting church leadership isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a biblical calling. When we obey, submit, and pray, we strengthen both our leaders and our church. Hebrews 13:17-19 reminds us that godly leadership is a gift, but it thrives when followers respond with faithfulness.
Imagine a runner trying to finish a marathon without water or encouragement. He may push forward, but exhaustion will take its toll. Likewise, pastors can’t lead effectively without the support of their congregation. Your obedience, submission, and prayers refresh and sustain them in their calling.
So, will you commit to this? Will you honor God by honoring those He has placed over you? A strong, united church begins with faithful people who uplift their leaders. Let’s build that kind of church together!
Source Material
7 Best Books on Expository Preaching Helping People Prepare Expository Sermons
Stand Bold in Grace: An Exposition of Hebrews by Robert G. Gromacki
Hebrews New Testament Commentary by John F. MacArthur
7 Tips For Writing Sermon Introductions that will connect and engage your audience. A great introduction starts your sermon strong.
7 Tips for Writing Sermon Conclusions will help you end your sermon with impact so that your message will stir hearts and inspire action.
7 Tips For Writing Topical Sermons will help you carefully prepare and structure a topical sermon that will engage your listeners.