Welcome to Living Leadership: growing disciple-making leaders through training, support and resources Joyful, Faithful, Fruitful Leaders and Spouses Find out how we can support and encourage you today OUR MINISTRIES FAQ How we can serve you... Tell us a bit more about who you are and what you are looking for and the slider will filter our ministries to show you how we may be able to help you: I am a... Church Leader Church Member Lay Leader Organisation Leader Spouse Woman in Ministry Living in... Select your region or country Looking for... Resources Support Training Leadership Toolkits Formation Residential Conferences Groups for Women in Ministry Refreshment Days Blog Formation Courses Formation School Living Leadership Podcast Nigel Lee Archive Podcast Pastoral Care Foundations Course Refresh Community for Spouses Refresh Network Online Refresh One-to-One (Online) Refresh-One-to-One (In person) Articles Book Reviews Books Formation Seminars Gospel Shaped Pastoral Care Course Mental Health First Aid Course Ministry Masterclasses Pastoral Refreshment Conference: Central Pastoral Refreshment Conference: Lakes Refreshment Groups Affiliates Scheme Leadership Toolkits Formation Residential Conferences Groups for Women in Ministry Refreshment Days Blog Formation Courses Formation School Living Leadership Podcast Nigel Lee Archive Podcast Pastoral Care Foundations Course Refresh Community for Spouses Refresh Network Online Refresh One-to-One (Online) Refresh-One-to-One (In person) Articles Book Reviews Books Formation Seminars Gospel Shaped Pastoral Care Course Mental Health First Aid Course Ministry Masterclasses Pastoral Refreshment Conference: Central Pastoral Refreshment Conference: Lakes Refreshment Groups Affiliates Scheme Not sure what we can do to help? View all our ministries Contact us Become a partner Would you partner with us through regular giving and prayer, so we can support more leaders and spouses to serve joyfully, faithfully and fruitfully? Find out more Latest news, blogs, & resources How Not To Be Cynical Seeing The One Who Sees Living Leadership News Roundup - February 2026 Listen to our latest podcast episodes Listen online Now booking... Formation Residential Conferences Refreshment Days Women in Ministry Groups Refresh Community for Spouses Pastoral Care Foundations Course Refresh Network Online See all our events currently booking Formation Residential Conferences Refreshment Days Women in Ministry Groups Refresh Community for Spouses Pastoral Care Foundations Course Refresh Network Online See all our events currently booking Formation Residential Conferences Refreshment Days Women in Ministry Groups Refresh Community for Spouses Pastoral Care Foundations Course Refresh Network Online See all our events currently booking Formation Residential Conferences Refreshment Days Women in Ministry Groups Refresh Community for Spouses Pastoral Care Foundations Course Refresh Network Online See all our events currently booking Formation Residential Conferences Refreshment Days Women in Ministry Groups Refresh Community for Spouses Pastoral Care Foundations Course Refresh Network Online See all our events currently booking Conferences & events now booking View all our current ministries

Our twice-yearly residential training conferences for junior leaders (interns and ministry apprentices). Formation Residentials How can you give your junior leaders the best start? “[Formation Residentials are] so foundational to the whole year and what we’re trying to do on the Ministry Training Scheme because it’s not looking at developing skills, it’s not about increasing knowledge, but it’s actually about the heart… its really about the person of the Christian leader.” Church Leader Character-focussed training for junior leaders The demands of new ministry roles often mean prioritising skills and competency over spiritual formation. We know that establishing these rhythms and heart attitudes are essential for sustainable joy-filledservice. Formation Residential Conferences are designed to complement your existing training by helping new leaders to ask “What does healthy Christian leadership look like?” Across the two conferences, in September and March, we teach about living in the love of God day by day (including disciplines around rest and using our time), experiencing God’s grace, loving God’s church, becoming Christ-like, and being a servant. We also encourage supervisors of junior leaders and overseers of church internship schemes to accompany their delegates. This provides a great opportunity for teams to bond and be refreshed together. We would love supervisors to take an active part in the program - sharing their wisdom and experiences with the junior leaders. *We are no longer centrally co-ordinating accommodation; however, we will still provide all meals, including breakfast. There are many accommodation options offered nearby, including Travelodge , Premier Inn , AirBnbs and other hotels and private lets on booking.com. Dates for 2026/27 8th - 10th September & 2nd - 4th March in Nottingham Booking Now Open! Supervisors offer!! To help supervisors join in the fun, we want to cover your conference costs* *This means you will only need to pay your accommodation and travel - though we may be able to find alternative accommodation options if needed. What people say about Formation Residentials: I left Formation feeling more prepared for the year ahead, the challenges and opportunities, but also with the joy of the Lord, and the reason why this year is worth doing: for His glory.” Delegate Formation Residential Conferences Booking Now Open! Who are the Formation Residential Conferences for? Up Up Formation Residentials are for anyone getting their first taste of ministry. Traditionally this will be those in trainee or internship roles in churches and organisations, though anyone in their first ministry role is welcome and would benefit from the content. The content has relevance those exploring vocational ministry and is also beneficial for equipping believers to live a life of joy-filled faith and service beyond their current roles. We’d also love to have any supervisors join us! This provides a great opportunity for teams to bond and be refreshed together. We encourage supervisors to take an active part in the program - sharing their wisdom and experiences with the junior leaders. What to expect at a Formation Residential Conference Up Up Across the three days of the conference delegates will take part in a variety of sessions, including seminar-style sessions, expository sessions and an open Q&A. We also try to ensure there is plenty of space to reflect on the things they are learning individually, in groups or by talking one-to-one with a member of the team. As a conference particularly for junior leaders, it provides an ideal opportunity to get to know others in similar roles with similar challenges. With this in mind we also build in time to socialise and have fun with the other delegates and team. What is the difference between the autumn and spring conference? Up Up Many roles start (or re-start) in line with the academic year, so our September Conference is designed with this in mind. The conference is intended to help leaders lay essential foundations for sustainable and joy-filled ministry, particularly as they start to establish routines and get to grips with ministry life. We cover subjects such as enjoying God’s grace, loving the Church, becoming Christ-like, being a servant, and day-to-day disciplines and tips for living in the love of God. We also take time to help them understand what changes they may experience as they transition into a formal role at church (where applicable). Our March conference provides an opportunity for the junior leaders to stop and take stock. Throughout the Conference, we help them unpack how they see the Lord teaching and developing them, and the areas that have been challenging for them. We tackle important subjects such as “faith vs. going through the motions”, and how to set our hearts and minds on Jesus especially as we might need consider what’s next. Throughout this conference, we spend time dwelling on Jesus and the grace we have received in him - a balm for those who are weary and an encouragement to spur the junior leaders on. Our junior leaders are undertaking a ministry training courses, should they still attend a Conference like this? Up Up Ministry Training Courses provide vital training in theology, Bible handling and practical skills, however by prioritisng such aspects of ministry they often don't cover topics relating to the life and heart of the junior leader. This is where Formation Residentials come in! All conference tickets include meals throughout the course of the conference (breakfast, lunch and dinner) which are served at the conference venue. Delegates will need to arrange their own accommodation. There are many options nearby including Travelodge , Premier Inn , AirBnbs and other options on booking.com What are the food and accommodation options? Up Up Several ticket options are available at the time of purchase. All conference tickets include meals throughout the course of the conference (breakfast, lunch and dinner) which are served at the conference venue. Delegates will need to arrange their own accommodation. There are many options nearby including Travelodge , Premier Inn , AirBnbs and other options on booking.com Related ministries Formation Courses Formation School Formation Seminars Gospel Shaped Pastoral Care Course Pastoral Care Foundations Course

Our people Living Leadership is a collaborative network of staff , Associates , Affiliates , Trustees and Volunteers, united by the vision to see Christ glorified through leaders who abide in him Affiliate Associate Staff Trustee Filter by Location Filter by Ministry Areas Alastair Gledhill Trustee Ministries involved in: Charity Trustee Find out more Alli Clear Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Claire Cromartie Trustee England Ministries involved in: Charity Trustee Find out more Alison Mark Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refreshment Days, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Bettina Collins Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh Network Online, Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Formation School, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Claire Reynolds Operations Manager England Ministries involved in: Ministry Support Staff Find out more Alistair Bill Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more Brian Gooding Associate Scotland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Refresh Network Online Find out more Claire Wroe Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups Find out more Alistair Magowan Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Network Online Find out more Cassells Morrell Associate Republic of Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Formation Seminars Find out more Dafydd Job Associate Wales Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Resources, Formation Seminars Find out more 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 ... 5 Related links Associates Scheme Affiliates Scheme How we work

As I look back over my first year as CEO of Living Leadership, I am aware that I have not simply stepped into a role; I have stepped into a story. It’s a story of the grace of God, of his faithfulness, and of lives refreshed and ministries transformed by re-discovering that God delights to make his strength known in our weakness. My own personal milestone is dwarfed by our organisational one, since this year, we celebrate twenty years of serving Christian leaders and their spouses. My hope is that the next twelve months will be marked by thankfulness, as we rejoice in all that God has done. I also hope that we’ll be filled with excitement and expectation about what the next twenty years may hold. LOOKING BACK – INHERITING A STORY OF FAITHFULNESS When Marcus Honeysett gathered with a handful of church leaders twenty years ago and went on to found Living Leadership, they envisioned a ministry which focused not on skills, but on spiritual health, not on competence but on character. I’m sure as they did so, they had no idea that two decades later there would be a thriving ministry with a staff team of eight, and an Associate network of forty who would serve many hundreds of leaders and spouses each year across such a wide variety of evangelical churches. From our earliest days, Living Leadership has been a relational ministry, gathering together a like-minded group of people who are captivated by the grace of God, and long for others to be similarly captivated. We long to see God glorified and the church strengthened through the encouragement of joyful, faithful, fruitful leaders. It is striking how often the Lord has used particular relationships to open up new opportunities for ministry, and how incremental small steps of faithfulness have borne fruit over time. LOOKING AROUND One of the great joys of my role has been to hear stories of how God has used the people of Living Leadership to encourage weary and broken church leaders, and to point them back to the grace of God. In some ways, I am astonished by the number of times I hear these stories. However, there’s another part of me that wishes that more leaders could hear about the ministry we offer. I feel like we’re a well-kept secret, that doesn’t want to be kept secret! It is certainly true that the need for the ministry hasn’t diminished. The demands on church leaders are possibly greater than ever before, and as our annual Spiritual Health Survey repeatedly shows, although church leaders demonstrate high levels of commitment, many are weary and drained (in spite of encouragements). They often lack positive support from their denomination, and this year we discovered that sixty percent find their financial situation stretched or unsustainable. The pressures are significant and Living Leadership is uniquely placed to offer support and encouragement to these leaders. LOOKING WITHIN – LESSONS FROM MY FIRST YEAR In a time of transition, mission clarity matters most. So, the first part of my year involved a lot of listening. I tried to gain a better understanding of our core ministry and context. As a team, we have worked hard to bring that clarity to the work we do and to the way we do it. We are trying to ensure that we embody the values and priorities that we spend so much time talking to others about. Like many other ministries in these challenging economic times, we have also been learning that ministry costs money. So, one of my priorities has been to try to strengthen our financial support base. We have seen some wonderful answers to prayer on this front, as God has reminded us that we depend entirely on him and serve only at his pleasure. If you, or someone you know, would like to consider partnering with us – either by praying or by giving financially - then please do visit this page www.livingleadership.org/partner This year, I have come to see more clearly the importance of our role as advocates for the support and wellbeing of Christian leaders. Not all church cultures understand and appreciate the importance of supporting their leaders. So, while we provide a variety of ministries to encourage and strengthen leaders, those efforts can only bear fruit if leaders and their churches come to prioritise the importance of seeking and receiving such support. LOOKING AHEAD – THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY AND ONWARDS We will be spending much of this year giving thanks and sharing stories of the first two decades. However, a milestone like this one also encourages us to look to the future and ask what God may be calling us to become. We remain convinced that the spiritual health of leaders is not peripheral to mission but is central to long-term fruitfulness. We want to partner well with other ministries operating in a similar space so that we can increase our reach and serve more people. We want to reach out beyond the ‘paid leader’ tier of leadership in churches (our main focus to date) and find new ways of encouraging and supporting lay leaders of various kinds. We hope to launch an anniversary appeal to provide funds for leaders with limited resources to access refreshment days and conferences. We would like to develop new kinds of retreats and resources that we pray will be a blessing for the church. All of these goals we hold lightly, knowing that God may have other plans. Finally, I would like to thank all those who have been part of the first two decades of Living Leadership – those who have given, prayed, served, partnered, encouraged, and participated. And I would love to hear from you if you have stories of the ways that Living Leadership has encouraged or shaped you or your ministry. Do drop us a line at: shareyourstory@livingleadership.org This first year has been such a privilege for me. I feel thankful for what God has done; I am trusting him for what he is doing, and hopeful for what lies ahead. One year in and twenty years on, I am deeply grateful. And quietly expectant.

Let’s be honest for a moment. Most cynicism in ministry doesn’t begin with arrogance. It begins with disappointment. You believed people would change. You thought unity would last longer. You imagined faithfulness would be rewarded more quickly. And then . . . it wasn’t. Over time, disappointment hardens into suspicion; suspicion takes on the armour of scepticism; and scepticism, if left unchecked, calcifies into cynicism. We stop expecting much - from people, from institutions, and sometimes even from God. Jesus offers us an important point of reference here. In John 2.24–25, we’re told that 'Jesus would not entrust himself to them . . . for he knew what was in man’. At first glance, this may look like cynicism. He has no illusions about crowds, enthusiasm, or public virtue. However, his realism flows from perfect knowledge, not wounded expectation. He sees clearly, yet without bitterness. His clarity does not corrode compassion. Ours is different. In our fallenness, insight is easily entangled with emotion. When disappointment goes unexamined, wisdom quietly gives way to weariness. Cynicism is a dangerous companion for pastors and church leaders. It slowly erodes joy, compassion, and hope, the very things on which our calling depends. Though the word ‘cynicism’ does not appear in Scripture, its posture certainly does. The Bible describes it as scoffing, mockery, and hard-hearted unbelief. Its key features are familiar: It assumes bad faith. It resists correction. It dismisses rather than listens. It is often rooted in pride or unresolved bitterness. Scripture is blunt about its effects. Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. Prov 29.8 In the last days scoffers will come . . . following their own desires. 2 Pet 3.3 Do not scoff, lest your bonds be made strong. Isaiah 28:22 So how do we resist cynicism without becoming naïve? The Bible gives us examples of leaders who stood at precisely these crossroads. NAME THE WEARINESS BUT DON’T LET IT DEFINE YOU Cynicism often masquerades as realism. I’m just being honest. I’ve seen this before. People never really change. Elijah knew that voice well. After his dramatic victory on Mount Carmel, he collapsed into despair and isolation. His words to God are raw and revealing. I have had enough, Lord… I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me. 1 Kings 19.4,10 Elijah wasn’t lying. He was exhausted. But exhaustion distorted his vision. God gently corrected him, reminding Elijah that he was still at work beyond what his servant could see, and assuring Elijah that he was not alone. (See 1 Kings 19.15-18). Weariness needs rest and truth, not resignation. Cynicism begins when fatigue goes unexamined and conclusions are drawn too quickly. REFUSE TO REDUCE PEOPLE TO PATTERNS One of cynicism’s favourite tricks is turning stories into stereotypes. Church members always complain. Leaders can’t be trusted. Young people aren’t committed. Job gives us an honourable - and very human - example of situational cynicism. In Job 12.2 he snaps, 'No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.’ It’s biting, almost modern in tone, but it is born of suffering, directed at smug moralists who insist that misfortune must equal guilt. Jesus, by contrast, never reduced people to patterns. He encountered the same sins repeatedly - fear, pride, hypocrisy - yet he met each individual with fresh eyes. For example, Peter boldly proclaimed loyalty and then denied his Lord three times. Jesus did not write him off as just another failure. After the Resurrection, he asked Peter the same question three times: ‘Do you love me?’ Not, ‘Why did you fail me?’ He’s asking Peter the question, ‘Will you keep walking with me?’ By contrast, cynicism says, ‘I already know how this ends’. But grace declares, ‘God is not finished yet’.  DON’T CONFUSE DISCERNMENT WITH DISILLUSIONMENT Discernment is biblical. Cynicism is not. Ecclesiastes is perhaps the Bible’s most sustained exploration of disillusionment. It describes what life looks like 'under the sun’ when human systems are taken seriously and ultimate meaning is withheld. Work is exhausting and fleeting. Wisdom does not guarantee justice. Pleasure fails to satisfy. Legacy evaporates. What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? Ecc 1.3 This is not rebellion against God but a divinely inspired refusal to accept sentimental optimism. Ecclesiastes tells the truth about life when God is pushed to the margins, and it is meant to unsettle us. But it is diagnosis, not destination. The book does not end in futility, but in reverent reorientation: 'Fear God and keep his commandments'. (Ecc 12.13) Biblical discernment is the God-given ability to judge rightly without losing humility, charity, or hope. It . . . Seeks truth, not superiority. Remains open to correction. Protects the community rather than withdrawing from it. Scripture commends this posture. Test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thess 5.21 The mature . . . have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice. Heb 5.14 Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits. 1 John 4.1 The apostle Paul warned churches plainly about false teaching and harmful leaders (See Acts 20:29–31). Yet he still wrote with extraordinary hope. Listen to his hopeful demeanour when he writes to the believers in Philippi. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. Phil 1.6 Discernment asks, 'Is this true?' Cynicism asks, 'Why bother?' The Bible allows us to test claims, but it warns us against judging hearts. The LORD looks on the heart. 1 Sam 16.7 GUARD YOUR INNER NARRATIVES Cynicism is often less about what happens to us and more about the story we tell ourselves afterwards. In Proverbs, we read, 'Do not be wise in your own eyes’. (Prov 3.7) Experience can deepen us or harden us. The biblical antidote is continual learning. The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. Prov 18.15 And then there’s the cautionary tale of Israel in the wilderness. Though they were repeatedly rescued and provided for, many in Israel lost touch with the narrative given by God. Instead, they embraced a darker one. Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? Ex 14.11 God’s actions told one story. Their cynicism told another. If we cloak ourselves in disappointment instead of living in the truth of God’s faithfulness, we quietly rewrite his character in our minds. And tragically, that rewriting distorts the truth and weighs heavily upon us. STAY CLOSE TO HOPE EVEN WHEN IT FEELS NAÏVE Hope is not denial. Hope is defiance. Jeremiah watched his nation collapse, his ministry ignored, and his warnings mocked. Yet in the middle of lament he wrote, 'Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness’. (Lam 3.22–23) Cynicism says, 'I’ve seen enough to stop believing’. Faith says, 'I’ve seen enough to keep trusting - despite everything’. Cynicism forgets where history is going. By contrast, Scripture insists that history is going somewhere. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed. Rom 8.18 Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor 15.58 Behold, I am making all things new. Rev 21.5 A FINAL WORD TO FELLOW LEADERS Cynicism is a slow leak in the soul. It distances us from people. It dulls our prayers. It turns our calling into a career and the ministry we’ve been given into maintenance. So, ask yourself, Am I more alert to error than to truth? Do I secretly enjoy being right when others are wrong? Has my discernment made me more patient or more sharp-edged? Do I still expect God to surprise me? If surprise is no longer possible, cynicism has already begun. The antidote is not pretending things are better than they are. It is remembering daily that God is better than our disappointments. Far better. So, stay curious. Stay tender. Stay open to surprise. And when cynicism creeps in, don’t be ashamed. Bring it into the light. God has always done some of his best work through tired leaders who refused to give up hope. As the apostle Paul writes to the Galatians. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6.9 Remember, you’re not alone. And the story isn’t over yet.

Sometimes, we find light in the darkest of places. In January, I read the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, and I came to this verse. Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. Eccles 4.1 You may not believe me but I actually found this verse extremely encouraging. Here’s why. First of all, there’s something wholesome about simply hearing the truth being stated. It’s good to hear the world described as it really is. In truth, this is part of our creation mandate. God gave Adam the job of naming the animals in Genesis 2.19-20. God’s representative, describing the created world, categorising, giving things a name—that’s the start of the scientific project right there. Not just science but art too. This is what good art does well. It helps us to recognise the truth of something that otherwise might be unexpressed. Doesn't it make your spirit soar when you read something in a poem, maybe, or a novel, that makes you think ‘Yes, that’s exactly how it is!’? It is good when art or science describes reality accurately. That’s because truth matters. A lot. However, when we read this verse in Ecclesiastes, something more is happening. It’s not just the writer of Ecclesiastes saying it as it is. The Lord himself is articulating this truth in his word. So, as I came to this section, with my own heart heavy from all the injustice and evil in the world, I sensed God saying, ‘I see. I know.’ God isn’t blind to all the pain and struggle in his world. In Ecclesiastes, he tells us that he sees it all, and he knows about all of it. As I write, there’s a steady drip-drip of further revelations from the released Epstein files. It’s shocking to think of what went on, and who might have known about it. It’s infuriating to think of all that has not yet been released or revealed, some of it possibly held back deliberately or hidden away. We cannot see and may never know. But God sees; God knows. That doesn’t make it any better for the victims, not at all. None of the dreadful things that are still happening in the world stopped happening after I read that verse. I know that such things will continue to happen right up until Jesus returns. Yet none of it goes unseen by our heavenly Father. That thought lifted up my heart. It gave me hope and strengthened me for the journey ahead. HAGAR Remember Sarah’s maidservant Hagar, in Genesis 16? Cruelly used, abused, sexually exploited by Sarah and Abraham, she was then sent away by her jealous mistress. After she’d run off into the desert, the angel of the Lord found her and encouraged her to return. He also promised innumerable descendants. We then read this beautiful verse. She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Gen 16.13 I see you. Sometimes, it is just so good to hear that God sees and knows. It matters that we’re noticed. Often in life we may feel that we go unseen, yet God never, ever overlooks us. He always sees us. He knows us. BEING SEEN A friend of mine has a daughter, who was abandoned by her partner, after they’d had a son together. Since that time, she has gone through some very dark times. Now, however, she’s married to a man who takes his responsibilities as a step-father very seriously. My friend informed me that he’d told his new son-in-law, ‘I see you’. It was just a simple expression of care, but it communicated his appreciation for the young man’s time and effort in caring for his grandson, even though he isn’t the boy’s biological father. Many of us in pastoral ministry have times when we feel helpless and inadequate in the face of so much pain and suffering. It’s in those moments that we need to remember that by drawing near and coming alongside people, we are giving a meaningful testimony to our God. As we offer ourselves to others, as we draw near, we mirror our God who also draws near, who is with us. Always. When we do this, we show them that we see them. We hear them. They matter. And that offers more encouragement than we can imagine. SEEING THOSE WHO SERVE What is the best way to encourage those who serve in church? Though we may offer words of affirmation, the response is sometimes, ‘I don’t want praise’. However, though they may not want to be thanked during a Sunday service, I believe every person needs encouragement. They need to know that they’re seen. There’s no requirement to do this in a flowery or showy way, but it’s good to communicate to all who serve that their service doesn’t go unnoticed. We see them and we appreciate them. When we do this, we are pointing them to the God who sees them too. And loves them. And though we may feel inadequate at times, let us never forget that we serve the God who sees, who hears, who is never removed and distant. For we serve the One who sees us. And knows us. The One who draws near.