As a pastor, when people have faced a crisis, a difficult question, or a victory to celebrate, you’ve been there for them. But who is there for you? It’s your responsibility to proclaim the Word of God, protect the Church, celebrate the sacraments, and shepherd the congregation. But what happens when there is trouble? When marriage hits the rocks? When a board meeting ends with shouting?
If you’ve been a pastor for longer than a moment, you’ve quickly learned that we need each other. We need spiritual support and growth. We need emotional reinforcements. And we need professional development.
Thankfully, pastors are in a position to encourage each other in faith and ministry. We can extend grace to one another, while holding each other accountable. We can pray for each other’s needs and challenges.
There are unique struggles and pressures in pastoral ministry. Do you have a safe space where you can share vulnerabilities and seek guidance? Have you found empathy, comfort, and advice in other trustworthy pastors? Where do you look for insights and best practices? With whom do you collaborate for joint initiatives?
You’ve heard stories of pastors who have burnt out. The stress became too much. The conflict remained unresolved. The false accusations mounted. And hope dissipated. Are you prepared for these kinds of challenging seasons? You’ll need a network of support to navigate conflict in the congregation, to offer unbiased perspectives, and to keep you in check.
These peer relationships with other pastors lead to deep friendships, additional learning opportunities, sharing resources, and challenging one another to pursue excellence. It can rekindle the values and calling that first led you to give your life in pastoral ministry. This is what I want you to have. It’s what you need. And I hope it’s part of what you’ll find in the resources listed here.
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