Needs of Ministers/pastors

Recently I received an email from someone who had read my blogger page, www.jackdrennan.blogspot.com where I have sermon notes and some thoughts. Hw wanted to ask the question, "what encourages the minister?" in his/her ministry. That is a good question given that we rarely hear about the good things and the encouraging things in moinistry. Everyone needs those people who ghet alongside to encourage- people like Barnabas who was such a supporter of St Paul. Here are some things which I find encouraging: * those who show themselves to be dependable and faithful * those who demonstrate loyalty * those who can see the big picture and not just their own little corner * those who can add to your work and are not always out to kill and destroy anything which has not originated with themselves * those who share your vision * those who are teachable * those who show that they care about you as a person and they care also for your family and make it quite clear that they do. I think the sumation of all this is that working as a team with a team can only be helpful and encouraging.