What pastors really think about on a Monday...

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

These past two weeks have been exhausting - on all fronts.

• Two core leaders shared about a need to step down due to family needs leaving massive holes in their place. 
• Three people shared about deep struggles their children are facing.
• One congregation member died.
• Another has a father fighting for his life.
• Two couples are busy going through pre-marital.

All of this is extra pastoral work on a normal week of meetings, sermon prep, sermon feedback, your run of the mill critiques and complaints, regular counseling, strategy sessions, business analysis, leadership development, financial planning, volunteer development, mentoring, spiritual direction, reading, studying, praying and writing.

And none of it more important than being a husband and father.

So yeah, a tiring two weeks.

This is what many pastors face in any given two weeks.
And most of them do it alone without the amazing team of volunteers, colleagues and bosses I have.

So, here's my request: say a prayer for the pastors you know.

Most are lonely...
Many feel like failures..
Some are depressed..
A few are even thinking of quitting...

I've felt all of those things at one time or another, and even all of them at the same time. This past week I felt down, and most of it due to a tiredness of the soul that comes from caring for others as they endure suffering that seems without end. It's not the same or as hard as those who are suffering, but it wears on you.

So pray for the pastors you know. They need it and want it. And pray for those they are caring for...they need it even more.

Your prayers and a kind word might just make their day and give them the energy they need to bring care and comfort to those in their care.

Here are my prayer requests

• Pray for the engaged couples to have healthy relationships leading heading into their weddings.
• Pray for the family who lost a loved one this week.
• Pray for the family gathered round their sick dad, husband, and friend as he fights for his life.
• Pray for the leaders stepping down to care for their family.
• Pray for people to rise up to fill the holes they leave behind.
• Pray for those families with children going through a tough time.
• Pray for your pastor that they might be strengthened in their work.

 Thank you for your prayers. May God hear them and answer them in accordance with His will.