Grace for Pastors

     There is an old saying that is half joke and half sarcasm. "Pastors only work one day a week so they shouldn't be tired." I believe that the job of being a pastor is both the most rewarding and most challenging vocation there is.
  

  Think of their stress - leading, preparation for preaching, caring for the hurting, managing staff/volunteers, overcrowded schedules, conflicts, criticism and more. 70% have a lower self-image than when they started. 80% believe ministry has negatively affected their families. 55% say they are discouraged. Many have stress related health problems.

   

   Pastors struggle just like the rest of us. They are not immune just because they are in ministry. Let me put it this way. As a result, their flesh shows itself. Flesh is our sinful patterns of coping with life apart from dependence on Christ, usually, in response to stress. 

   

   The first 7 of the 10 years I was a pastor, I struggled with depression, discouragement, people pleasing, lust, pornography and a difficult marriage. I knew that Jesus was my Savior and my Lord but I did not understand what it meant for Him to be my LIFE. See Colossians 3:4. "When Christ, who is our life..." Once I did, the healing and freedom on the inside changed everything!

   If you care about your pastor, pray for him often and share this with him! Pastors, please contact us. You are not alone. I or one of our staff will talk with you by phone, Skype or in person. There is hope in Christ!

Live Free In Christ,

Mark Maulding, Founder & President


www.GraceLifeInternational.com
All Content Copyright © 2013 Mark Maulding