In the Christian community, I've often encountered surprise that pastors, missionaries, or other full-time ministry leaders actually need help, too. It really shouldn't shock us though. Even Jesus "came apart" to spend time with His Father so that He wouldn't "come apart." Those in full-time ministry encounter the same issues and struggles as everyone else. Unfortunately, they are expected to have it all together. After all, they're the ones who are supposed to be ministering to the rest of us. As a result, they often struggle alone.
In reality it's those in ministry who often have nowhere to go with their struggles, problems, conflicts, and troubling emotions. When you're in ministry, it's difficult to know whom you can trust. Through our three decades of ministry, Lynn and I have often met kingdom servants in crisis who were afraid to talk to their church or mission board. They feared rejection, betrayal, and even the loss of their ministries.
We have been grieved to see many friends and colleagues forced to leave the ministry through the years, and we have longed to help such leaders experience renewal and restoration. We have longed to see them restored to the front lines of the battle, where they could continue to advance Christ's kingdom.
To catch a vision for the very real need for such ministry to Christian leaders, check out these very sobering statistics.
We encourage you to cover the pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders you know in prayer. They need your encouragement, care, and support.
If you know someone who is struggling, please encourage them to come see us at Bethesda by the Sea. We're here to love on them and help them find joy in their lives and ministries once again!
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