A study by Lifeway Research in 2015 showed that 250 pastors are known to leave the ministry each month. As a former pastor with 20+ years of ministry experience, I understand the daily challenges of working on a local church staff. Vocational ministry is a calling that is rewarding, but there are times when it’s hard and complex.
Bottom line… The things that affect congregations affect ministers as well. The apostle Paul said it best in 1 Thessalonians 2:8. “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the Gospel of God but also, our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
Between the weight of counseling others and finding ways to lead a church through a global health crisis, ministers are feeling the strain. As a part of a new initiative, called the Medi-Share Pastor’s Alliance, which provides self care to church leaders across America, Medi-Share provided FREE Counseling to 100 pastors as a pilot experience.
Medi-Share surveyed 70 men and women from the pilot to take a rare look into the mental health of church leaders.
Download the FULL REPORT from Medi-Share:
“10 Things About Mental Health Every Pastor (or Leader) MUST Know”
Here are 3 takeaways from the pilot experience that everyone should know about mental health:
- Your Story Drives Your Behavior – 100% of participants from the counseling pilot became more self-aware of their mental health and personal behaviors. Every pastor received validation by sharing their own unique life experiences. They discovered how their personal stories are a driving factor in their ability to be present, their interactions with others, as well as their productivity and responses to stress.
“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Tim. 4:16).
- You Are Not Alone – 75% of participants said that they felt isolated in their ministry. As a pastor, you are constantly pouring into the lives of your congregants, but rarely have others pouring into you. It is vital to have friends and a support system around you. Jesus didn’t do ministry alone, and neither should you.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecc. 4:9-10)
- Self-Care Isn’t Selfish – 71% of participants were fearful of their congregation knowing that they were in counseling, and 67% of participants admitted to experiencing depression symptoms. One benefit of a counselor is that they can help identify patterns that may play out in your ministry. They gift you with the ability to explore with openness who you are, who God made you to be, and who you are becoming. Therefore, a counselor can walk alongside you in hope, looking ahead toward what might be with restoration, healing, and joys that might not have been celebrated. Many pastors in the pilot found it relieving to be talking to someone far away, disconnected from their community, who could help guide them to a place of understanding.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
Download the FULL REPORT from Medi-Share:
“10 Things About Mental Health Every Pastor or Leader MUST Know”
Through the community of the Medi-Share Pastor’s Alliance, pastors have access to an abundance of resources. We’re providing unlimited FREE Professional Virtual Counseling health appointments for pastors who are members of Medi-Share. Additionally, each member has the opportunity for three face-to-face sessions annually… because EVERYONE needs SOMEONE to talk with.
A Note from Brian Dodd about Medi-Share:
This blog and the fascinating FREE report was brought to you by my friends at Medi-Share, the affordable alternative to health insurance.
I love some of the benefits each of their members receive and I want Christian leaders like you to be in the know about Medi-Share:
- The typical family can save $500 or more per month on health care costs
- They provide Employer Health Care Plans for Churches and Business
- All members receive FREE UNLIMITED Virtual Counseling
- All pastors who are members of Medi-Share have access to the Medi-Share Pastor’s Alliance, a community that provides support to leaders of the local church.
I encourage you to visit the Medi-Share website to download your FREE Report and start exploring how much Medi-Share could be saving you or your church / business on health care costs!
– Brian
