Where's a Tour Guide When You Need One

Whew! It’s been a tough month, actually a tough summer. For the first time in a LONG time I have had several pastor’s Monday’s (smile if you know what that is). It’s a tough job and anyone who has ever been in ministry knows it. Thank the Lord He provides guidance through His Word and through the counsel of other ministers and their writings.

One that I often turn to was recommended to me by another pastor; it is Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro. Listen to this excerpt;

I hadn’t realized that as a pastor I was involved in a vocation that had a dismal track record. It might be the pressures involved, or it could be the high expectations. But in either case, I found that a large number of those in pastoral ministry did not finish well.

In H.B. London Jr.’s great work Pastors at Greater Risk, we find these startling statistics:

* 80 percent believe that pastoral ministry affects their families negatively.

* 33 percent say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family.

* 75 percent report they’ve had a significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.

* 50 percent feel unable to meet the needs of the job.

* 90 percent feel they’re inadequately trained to cope with the ministry demands.

* 56 percent of pastors wives say that they have no close friends.

* 45 percent of pastors’ wives say the greatest danger to them and their family is physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual burnout.

* 52 percent of pastors say they and their spouses believe that being in pastoral ministry is hazardous to their family’s well-being and health.

* 70 percent do not have someone they consider a close friend.

Yes, those are statistics, and it’s easy for us to shrug off a list of numbers. But it’s a different story when instead of reading the statistics, you find yourself on the verge of becoming one.”

Some days of ministry are rough. You deal with betrayal, disappointment, unreasonable expectations (your congregations and your own), and of course failure. If you’ve faced that ministry Monday just remember you’re not alone. Your greatest heroes of the faith went through the same valleys you’re in right now. Just look at these statistics and know the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues in spite of the road being a hard one to travel.

If you find yourself in a time of “giving up” I say give it up. Find another minister in whom you know you can trust and talk it out with them. An experienced guide always knows the road better than those who are traveling it for the first time.

I have found strength in Bro. Cordeiro’s book and he found it in Bro. London’s work as well. This is a needed and never ending chain. We all need our mentors so if you’re down preacher, go find yours!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!