Expert: Dr Eddy Cheong - 11/9/2006

Question
Hi Dr. Cheong,

I am a younger new born Christian of four and a half years.  I am attending a church that is just over one year.  We are small, about 55 people.  Eight to ten of these people are aged Christians, the rest young like me and younger.  Our Pastor is very self sacrificing, giving of himself with out taking any pay at all.  The Lord has given me a heart for the time to help our congregation to understand what it says in the Scriptures on us taking care of our leaders and Pastors.  
It would bless me greatly , and in turn my Pastor if you would help me in knowing how the Lord wants us to bless and pray for our Pastors and leaders.
I am grateful for any Bible based help that you could give.

Thank you and Jesus bless you,
Diana

Answer
The Bible commands us to pray for those in secular authority and those with spiritual authority:
1.Secular leaders, so that we may live peaceful lives and so that doors will be open for the Gospel to be preached..
1 Tim 2:1-4
2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
NIV

2. For our Spiritual leaders...
Heb 13:17-19

17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
NIV