“When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” – Acts 11:23–24 (ESV)

The ministry of encouragement matters.

Pastors and church leaders today are navigating tremendous pressure. Ministry often comes with criticism, fatigue, conflict, uncertainty and spiritual warfare. Churches are facing division, cultural challenges and questions about the future. In the midst of it all, many pastors and leaders quietly wrestle with a question they may never say out loud: Does what I’m doing really matter anymore? 

That is why the ministry of encouragement matters — and why the church needs Barnabas. 

In Acts 11, Barnabas traveled to Antioch and saw something others might have missed. He “saw the grace of God” and was glad. Rather than looking first for what was wrong, Barnabas recognized what God was doing. Then he “exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” 

That is what a Barnabas does.

A Barnabas reminds people of God’s faithfulness. A Barnabas looks for grace where others may only see flaws. A Barnabas strengthens those who are weary and helps them keep their eyes on Jesus. Biblical encouragement is more than saying something nice or offering a compliment. It is helping someone remain faithful to Christ when faithfulness becomes difficult. 

Real encouragement strengthens resolve. It renews courage. It reminds weary servants that God is still at work. It helps people see beyond today’s challenges and remember that their faithfulness matters to God. 

Sometimes one encouraging word at the right moment can keep a pastor from quitting. One reminder of God’s calling can reignite a discouraged leader. One faithful supporter can give a church leader the courage to keep moving forward. 

We should never underestimate what God can do through someone who consistently encourages others. 

The world often celebrates the loudest voices, the most visible leaders and those standing on the largest platforms, but the Kingdom of God is often advanced by steady encouragers who quietly strengthen the people around them. 

Barnabas may not have written a Gospel or led with the prominence of Paul, but his influence helped shape leaders who would have an enormous impact on the early church. He was willing to stand beside others, believe in them, advocate for them and encourage them. His influence reminds us that you do not have to be front and center to make a significant difference. 

Perhaps that is part of your calling too. 

Not everyone is called to stand on the platform, but many are called to stand beside those who do.

You may be called to strengthen someone who is tired, believe in someone who is struggling, pray for someone carrying a heavy ministry burden, or simply remind a weary leader that God is not finished with them. 

And pastors need Barnabas too. 

Pastors are often expected to be the encouragers — the ones who bring hope, strength and perspective to everyone else — pastors need someone to come alongside them as well. They need people who will pray for them, listen to them, speak courage into their lives and remind them that they are not alone. 

Being a Barnabas is not reserved for pastors, staff members or ministry leaders. Every follower of Jesus can become a Barnabas to someone else. You may never preach a sermon, lead a church or stand on a platform, but you can strengthen someone’s faith.  

You can notice God’s grace in someone’s life. You can speak courage when someone is discouraged. You can help someone remain faithful to Jesus. 

So perhaps the question is not simply, “Who encourages me?” but also, “Whom is God asking me to encourage?” 

A Few Questions to Consider 

Who in your life or ministry currently needs encouragement? 

How can encouragement become a more intentional part of your leadership and ministry? 

Have you allowed discouragement to quietly shape your own heart? 

And perhaps most importantly: Who could become more faithful, more courageous or more hopeful simply because you chose to be a Barnabas in their life? 

The ministry of encouragement may not always be visible, but it is deeply significant. God used Barnabas to strengthen people, develop leaders and advance the Gospel. 

He can do the same through you.