In the religious spectrum of our nation, pastors are one of the most visible signs of spiritual caregivers in our country. Sometimes, we take them for granted. Research has pointed out:
- 90% of them are overworked
- 70% are underpaid
- 91% of them experience job burnout
- 70% constantly fight depression
In the last three decades, pastors have stayed at their church for an average of 2-3 years before going to another church or leaving the ministry. This does not include the hardships that their families face. Pastoring is not like a typical job. The qualifications are greater (1 Timothy 3, 1 Peter 5), the accountability is heightened (James 3:1, 1 Peter 4:17), the stress of living in a “glass house” is present, and engaging in constant altercations with uninformed critics leaves the pastor with their adrenalin pumping long after the discourse is over.
There are many painful things that pastors have to deal with behind “closed doors” that lay people are not aware of. But if we truly love our pastors, we must stand with them, protect them and their families, serve alongside them, pray for them, and encourage them to get self-care. Self-care includes speaking to a fellow caregiver who understands your unique trials.
As a former senior pastor with 25 years of experience, I can relate to many of the stories I’ve heard from my fellow colleagues. Fortunately, I learned some good “survival skills” that extended my pastoral tenure. Serving God has its blessings and challenges, but if you’re a minister of the Gospel, don’t wait until burnout overtakes you.
Every pastor needs a caregiver with an integration of spiritual power and clinical know-how. So please give me a call. Let me help you to express yourself in a safe place and develop a plan that will empower you, your family, and your ministry. God has designed counseling to help us in a fallen world. He calls believers to serve as counselors or “disciplers” which involves counseling (Galatians 6:1, Matthew 28:16-20). He continues to be our “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:7, Psalm 16:7, Romans 12:2, Isaiah 28:29, Psalm 73:24, Psalm 32:8).
References
1. Fuller Institute of Church Growth research studies 1991, 2005, 2006.
2. Leadership Journal, poll of readers, 2013.
3. Francis A. Schaeffer Institute of Leadership Development, research studies 1998, 2006.
4. Wilson, Jarod S. “Being a Pastor Isn’t Just a Job.” The Gospel Coalition, 2019.
To schedule a counseling session for support, contact our office at (817) 562-8800.