Paul met new friends in Corinth, Aquila and Priscilla.  They too, were tentmakers and they were Jewish.
When Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Corinth, Paul “began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.”
(NASB Acts 18:2-5)

Of what should pastors, priests and their congregations be aware?
God calls specific individuals to preach, to be a shepherd, leading others to knowledge of the living Lord Jesus.

How can congregations and staff members encourage their Pastors and Priests to devoting themselves “completely to the word”?

Giving out God’s word requires time for prayer and study.  Personal preparation is essential for a Pastor/Priest to preach on Sunday and any other day of the week.

Pastors ~ Priests
What do you need to do to simplify to give out God’s word?  What you are now doing which takes away from your preparation time?
Only you can answer that question.  Only you can set in motion ways to free yourself for personal preparation before the living God.  Only you can yield yourself to God so you can grow in your faith.

Remember leaders: you can only lead others as far as you, yourself, have gone.  It is impossible to lead others to greater maturity than you have reached.

A Pastor/Priest has great accountability to the living God.  Your personal relationship with Him is vital.  This can also be said of teachers of God’s word.

What warning should be given to Pastors/Priests and all leaders?
Do not neglect your family!
Do not neglect being with personal friends!
Paul had Silas and Timothy as his family in Corinth.  He had Aquila and Priscilla as personal friends.

  Devoting Yourself Completely to the Word
— is essential to personally growing as a believer in the living Lord Jesus.
— is essential to a healthy congregation.  (Notice: no mention of numbers, only a healthy congregation – whatever the size.)

Congregation
How we support our Pastors/Priests is important.  Not only financially, but also by following their leading and encouraging them to use their time for preparation in prayer and study.