jordan muck

Encouragement is crucial in the ministry and in life.  We all need encouraged but rarely are we on the giving side.  Here’s some ways to encourage those around you and people who you are ministering to daily.

1. Take Genuine Interest in People – The most effective way of encouraging someone is to truly be interested in them.  Let people know you care by actually investing in their life.  Jesus’ time was spent both teaching and asking genuine questions.  He had a desire and passion to understand man.  He truly cared about people and it was apparent in his life.  Avoid being counterfeit, after all people can tell when you don’t care, especially young people.
2. Understand life is not about You – The older I get, the more I learn how this life is not about me.  Sad to say but the world does not revolve around Jordan Muck.  Acknowledge what’s important to others and become interested in what they are passionate about.  In High School, and even today, I never or have never “conformed” to one group or click.  I have friends from all walks of life.  I love being a well rounded person.  The more diverse the people are around me, the more diverse I become.  While there are certain details in my life that I hold solid to and will not compromise on, I still learn as much as I can about what other people are excited about or love to do.
3. A “Thank you” Goes along Way – The one thing that truly lifts me up is when people say “thank you”.  Not only does this lets me know that I am worthwhile but it is meaningful. Youth pastors, thank your staff; pastors, thank your board; thank your wife for putting up with you, thank your friends for being by your side, never stop telling people thank you.  It doesn’t hurt to write it down either.  My dad sent me a “thank you for being my son” note some years back, handwritten.  To this day it sits in my office on my desk and encourages me every time I sit down to work.
4. Be Spontaneous – My wife would call this a R.A.C.K. (random act of kindness).  For example, I drop my students text messages from time to time just to let them know they were prayed for.  Do something completely random to make someones day.
5. Confide in People – As a pastor, people confide in me all the time.  Not only does this make me feel confident and important but it makes me feel like I have a sense of worth.  If people are willing to confide in me, I need to confide in them.  We are so scared to be hurt in today’s society so we retreat inward without opening ourselves up.  Let someone know you think they are important by sharing your life with them.  This builds solid friendships and promotes spiritual growth.
6. Serve – Lend a hand when you see the need.  I absolutely love to see people see a need and run with getting the job accomplished.  Encouragement is achieved when someone sees you are willing to commit your time and energy.

What are you doing to encourage those around you?

-Jordan