How to Connect With
Your Host Pastor
“I was ready to retire and walk away
from ministry. I thought I was done,
and felt burnt out. But then I hosted a
PPM team. They reaffirmed my calling,
sparked a new hope in me, and I am
now committed to ministering this
church and community until the Lord
tells me otherwise.”
- Pastor Cruz
Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Let’s be real. While many pastors
around the world are thriving, feeling
supported, and energized, many feel
like Pastor Cruz in the first part of his
story above: exhausted, burnt out,
and maybe even ready to walk away
from their calling.
Pastors are in a position of spiritual
leadership, which means they are
sharing in the burdens of those they
lead. They share burdens not out of
obligation, but out of love, passion,
and care. They adopt the heartaches
of their community as challenges
to overcome. The life of a pastor is
extremely rewarding, but it can be
long and lonely at times.
Pastors need people who will pour
into them with no strings attached.
In other words, if you can find ways
to sacrificially love on these church
leaders and support them as they
give their all, the ripple effects of
their renewed hope will span
community-wide.
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“I really value the time when teams
sit down to have coffee and share
conversation. This can be in the
afternoon or between ministries.”
- Pastor Miguel
Curubande, Costa Rica
So how can you and your team be a
positive encouragement? It’s easy!
Show up, support, and pray. Take
note of the pastors and other leaders
around you on your trip. You have the
opportunity to bring fresh energy to
their ministry. This is one of the most
inspiring and affirming gifts you can
give to them as leaders.
We have outlined a few suggestions
to get you excited about serving your
host pastor/leaders. We believe God
is giving you an opportunity to invest
in the heart of a pastor. If you do,
you will leave a lasting mark on the
community where you are ministering
this week.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
• How long have you been
in ministry?
• What types of ministry is your
church involved in?
• When you think about your
ministry, what gets you excited?
• What would you love to see
happen in your community?
• What are some of the struggles
you face every week?
• What’s the best way to do
outreach in your community?
• How long have you been serving
in this location?
• (If married) How long have you
been married?
• How many kids do you have?
Grandkids? What are their names?
What do they do? Where do
they live?
• What’s your favorite thing to do
to relax?
• Do you have any advice for me?