The Pastor’s Keeper

He was the pastor of a very large church, a leader of a global Youth Ministry and a famous Christian author. Then it all fell apart as his personal life fell apart. How could this happen? Could this happen to your pastor or a leader in your church? Please, before you jump to conclusions, listen to the words of Christ, “Let him who is without sin throw the first stone.” John 8:7

In his book, Replenish, Author and Pastor Lance Witt, declares his extreme concern for the state of pastors and leaders in our churches.   In the opening chapter, he writes, “Today’s troubling statistics on pastors paint a bleak picture.” Referencing research by very respected organizations he states the following data:

About pastors:

• 1,500 leave the ministry every month in America.
• 80% feel discouraged in their roles.
• 71% are burned out or battle depression on a weekly or even daily basis.
• 70% do not have a close friend.
• 50% would leave the church if they could find another way to make a living.
• 10%, only one in ten,will actually retire as minsters.

About pastor’s spouses

• 85% feel discouraged in their church and ministry roles.
• 50% feel that entering the ministry was the most destructive thing that happened to their families.

Why?

Why are the stats about pastors so bleak? Allow me to suggest that the answer is simple. We are in a state of warfare against all that our faith represents. Pastors are on the frontline of the battle. The enemy knows that and is attacking them. In any army, the priority of the backline troops is to support those on the frontline. The reality is that in most church cultures your pastor will never reach for help or call for support or protection. So you and I must assume the responsibility. We must be proactive and protect those on the frontline.

What can you do?

• Pray for your pastor.
• Ask God to show you how you can best support and protect your pastor.
• Tell your pastor of your commitment to pray for him or her.
• Offer your practical help by using your God-given time and talents.
• Where appropriate, here are some questions you may lovingly consider asking. Pastor:
  • How can I pray for you this week?
  • Are you getting enough sleep?
  • What do you need to do to be emotionally refreshed?
  • What activities do you regularly do to replenish your soul?
  • Are you spending enough time with your family?
• Give a gift copy of the book, Replenish,or the classic book, Restoring Your Spiritual Passion.
• Share Spiritual Warfare Story. 

Please forward this note to others in your church.

Wise words: “God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2Timothy 1:7