Runners RPE

On a long run, runners reach a point at which their body begins to shout, "You can't do this much longer!" Exercise physiologists label this phenomenon the RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion). In plain English your body is telling you that you are about to run out of gas. Marathoners call this "hitting the wall."

This is why the Big Sur Marathon along the Pacific Coast in California, organizes a full philharmonic orchestra dressed in tuxedos and gowns, to play at various places along the route. A few bars of "Chariots of Fire" will reinvigorate the weariest runner's soul.

Runners also relish the crowds that often cheer as athletes near the finish of a race. As runners hear this raucous and jubilant encouragement, a strange change takes place in their RPE. They are just as exhausted as ever but because of the encouragement, they believe that the rate of exertion is less than objective data would show. They draw strength from encouragement. They can go further, faster and run with greater joy as they receive encouragement. Pretty amazing stuff that encouragement.

Ministry and your RPE

Ministry often brings us face to face with our RPE. We say, "I can't do this much longer!"

The New Testament writers employed athletic competition as a picture of the Christian life. They specifically drew upon running a race as a metaphor of our journey (1 Cor. 9:24-27; Heb. 12:1).

The correlations are evident to even the most casual observer. Serving in ministry is a demanding activity. It often pushes those involved very close to their maximum RPE. Encouragement provides a significant dose of refreshing hope and stamina for the long haul.

Scripture provides a clear profile on encouragement for us to embrace. Israel is instructed to encourage Joshua because he would lead the nation into the promise Land (Deut. 1:38). David was instructed to encourage his soldiers after the death of his son Absalom (2 Sam. 19:7). Paul emphasized the value of encouragement when writing to the Corinthian church (2 Cor. 7:13).

What is encouragement?

Encouragement has been defined as: "That which serves to incite, support, promote, or advance, as favor, countenance, reward, etc.; incentive; brings an increase of confidence." The demands of local church ministry inevitably produce a need and a longing for genuine encouragement.

As Goethe said, "Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower."

For the believer encouragement also comes from comprehending the inexhaustible riches of Christ as found in the Scriptures (Rom. 15:1-7). When God's people understand the plan of redemption, their role in it and the portrait of an eternity with Christ, they comprehend that living hope that Peter calls into focus for those who are redeemed (1 Peter 1:3-6).

Encouragement through discipleship

Paul wrote to the Colossians to encourage them (Col. 2:2). He correlated encouragement with truly knowing Christ. As Paul traveled through Macedonia and Greece, he offered many words of encouragement to the people (Acts 20:1-2). The writer of the book of Hebrews points God's people to the anchor of their soul, Christ. It is there that the saints find the risen Christ serving as their Great High Priest (Heb. 6:13-20). I close a weekly e-newsletter to our congregation each week with the words, "You are loved; you are appreciated."

Encouragement by example

Pastor, if you need encouragement, teach your people to be encouragers. This is best accomplished by example rather than exhortation. Modeling is a crucial dynamic of leadership. When people witness this and are recipients of their pastor offering genuine principled affirmation and encouragement, they become encouragers. You will literally reap what you sow. Teach your people to delight in honoring the clear mandate of Scripture to encourage one another (Acts 15:30-32; Heb. 3:12-13).

Finishing the race

So Pastor, have you identified what runners describe as your RPE? Have you said, "I can't do this much longer?" A vital antidote to ministry fatigue is encouragement. Model the profile of an encourager to your people and they will return this to you in multiplied ways.

Ministry structures that include abundant prayer, information and encouragement bring incredible benefit to a church on the journey toward health and effectiveness.

Your stamina is much greater than you ever imagined Pastor. Be encouraged. Be an encourager! Finish the race well and equip your people to be encouragers. Ministry will be a joy and your RPE will diminish. You will lead with Christ-honoring effectiveness. Yes you can!

Tom Fillinger is Senior Pastor of SouthEast Community in Columbia, SC. He is also a Certified Consultant with The Society for Church Consulting and CEO of IgniteUS Ministries.