How to Keep a Good Preacher/Minister

  • Note: We have written this for elders for a new resource we are working on. We’d like your input. There is a button at the bottom for you to add your anonymous contributions to the list.

    How to Keep a Good Preacher/Minister

    (These are just some suggestions that we’ve found help)


    1. Give him the opportunity to grow:

    - Additional classes:

    - Conferences like the BETTER Conference

    - Lectureships

    - Encourage him to have mentors whom he meets with (make sure those are solid men)

    2. Support him publicly from the pulpit when he preaches on a particularly challenging subject. Commend him when he challenges your Church family to grow in their walk with God.

    3. Use words. Meet with him to tell him the stuff he does well AND help him to see specific areas where he can improve. Assure him you are on his side to grow

    4. If you have a house: put aside money each month or year for equity when/if he leaves or decides to buy a house.  If you don’t have a house, be sure to designate part of his salary for housing allowance to help him with his taxes.

    5. Offer him a sabbatical after 5 years (a summer off, with pay. He can’t preach other places that summer). In the OT even dirt got to rest. Use YOURSELVES and YOUR MEN in the congregation to preach during that time. It will help all grow.

    6. Take out a life insurance policy on him payable to his wife. If he dies while he is there and it will give him comfort and peace to not be concerned about “what if.” It won’t cost much.

    7. When he has been through a particularly tough time send him and his family off for a week.

    8. Pray with him often. Prayers of thanks that reveal you are aware of his life and what he deals with

    9. If he has student debt, pay it off over time in increments. At the end of 3 years pay a part, at six years pay the rest.

    10. About every 3-4 years upgrade him with a new computer or other office equipment. 

    11. Encourage him to spend time with other preachers. Lone wolf preachers often get into trouble.

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