• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Lifeway Research

Lifeway Research

Enlightening today’s church with relevant research and insights

  • Research
  • Insights
  • Resource Library
  • Fast Facts
  • Search

Pastor, You’re Not Alone

Insights| Personal Development | May 8, 2020

Dan Meyers photo | Unsplash

By Matt Henslee

Sometimes, ministry is awesome. Other times, it’s not.

There might be times you think you’re alone, and while we all know and preach Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, there might be a season you feel like your prayers bounce off the ceiling. You have no one in your corner, and you’re all alone.

That’s a lie from the pit of hell, but in difficult seasons, when you just can’t seem to catch a break, you need to know there’s help.

1. 1-844-PASTOR1

Put that in your phone—right now.

That number is a free, confidential, dedicated helpline with trained, professional counselors for pastors who are available every day from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. (CST) provided by Focus on the Family and the North American Mission Board.

2. Reach Out

Find a fellow pastor or a few in your tribe who’ll have your back.

Maybe they’re seasoned pastors who’ve been through the ups and downs of ministry. Maybe they’re close enough to grab a cup of coffee, anytime, anywhere, no questions asked.

If you can’t find one, reach out to your local and state denominational leaders and ask them to connect you with someone.

If that doesn’t work, send me a direct message on Twitter.

3. Get Help

We’ve written about mental health before, but don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

There may be things going on that require more than a phone call or cup of coffee with a trusted friend. Commit, right now, to get whatever help you need.

This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, but a gentle reminder you’re not alone; help is out there, and this storm will pass.

See also  Is It ‘Ministry Failure’ To See a Counselor?

Until it passes, know you’re loved far more than you’ll ever know this side of heaven.

We’re rooting for you. We’re here for you. Let’s move forward as “battle buddies” for the glory of His great Name.

Matt Henslee

@mhenslee

Matt and his wife Rebecca have four daughters. He is the Associational Mission Strategist for the Collin Baptist Association in Texas, and coauthor of Replanting Rural Churches.

    Dig Deeper at Lifeway.com

    Depression: Walking from Darkness Into the Dawn

    June Hunt

    FIND OUT MORE

    Related posts:

    watch clock end times Bible pastors researchWhat Do Pastors Believe About the End Times? What Do Pastors Believe About the Book of Revelation? 3 Ways to Reach Non-Religious People in Your Community Recapturing the One Factor That Made the Early Church Unstoppable

    Primary Sidebar

    Follow Us On…

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Popular

    • Pastors Have Clarity on Same-Sex Marriage, Not the Role of LGBTQ+ People in Churches
    • 7 Reasons to Praise the Lord
      praise
    • 4 Ways to Honor Pastors
    • Gen Z Mental Health Crisis: How Pastors Can Make a Difference

    Join the Lifeway Research Newsletter

    Lifeway Research: Enlightening Today’s Church with Relevant Insights.

    Signup for email updates on our church and culture research.

    Sign Up

    Leader Resources

    Bible
    Clip Art
    Classics
    Clip Art
    Current Events
    Clip Art
    Discipleship
    Clip Art
    Pastoral Ministy
    Clip Art
    Theology
    Clip Art
    VIEW ALL RESOURCES
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Custom Research
    • Resource Library
    • Search

    Copyright © 2022 · Lifeway Research, a ministry of Lifeway Christian Resources