Ministry friend, are you struggling? Do you want to quit? Are you carrying a heavy load? Do you feel all alone? Need a friend to help you, listen to you, care for you, and give you hope? Please read the post below and reach out to us. You are never too far gone that the Lord cannot restore and refresh you!!! Let us help point you to the One Who is our Living Hope!!
Nearly Two in Five Pastors Have Considered Quitting Full-Time Ministry
With pastors’ well-being on the line, and many on the brink of burnout, 38 percent indicate they have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year. This percentage is up 9 full points (from 29%) since Barna asked church leaders this same question at the beginning of 2021.
There are many reasons for pastors quitting the ministry, but one I am concerned about is pastors in hiding.
These are men who . . .
- Live in isolation (Few friends, failing marriage)
- Are trapped in some habitual sin
- Fear being transparent
- Do not have an accountability friend
- Are very lonely
- Need help but fear seeking help
- Fear what other pastors will think of them
- Are married to the ministry
Recently, I met with a pastor who went to the depths, even considered suicide, and had to step aside from ministry for awhile. You can read some of Jody’s story here: I’m Alive.
No matter how many people stood by my side, I felt completely alone. I was lost in a haze of confusion that had me scrambling for answers that were nowhere to be found. Wicked forces were attacking my thoughts and strangling the very life that I had loved so much. I knew no way to fight back.
Jody Jenkins
Men, Jody and I are concerned for you if you fit into one or more of the categories mentioned above (or others not mentioned).
Can we help you? Do you need a safe, non-judgmental refuge to be heard, loved, and cared for? A place where you will be with men who are dealing with the same issues but are finding genuine help? A quiet place to meet with God and see Him give you hope? Both of us desire to provide such a place. We are throwing you a rope!
We are hosting an initial gathering in the East Tennessee area Tuesday, October 4, 2022. If you are interested, please reach out to me at bcbcpastor@comcast.net or Jody at pastorjodyjenkins@gmail.com.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jody and I are yoking up with Jesus and inviting you, pastor in hiding, to come and find rest for your soul. Please let us know if you’re interested in joining us on October 4. Email me bcbcpastor@comcast.net or Jody at pastorjodyjenkins@gmail.com. We are ready to serve you.
fromapastorsheart.com 
Thank you, Dale for this post! I pray that if there are men in ministry that are in hiding as you have described that this will encourage them to reach out and get the help they need.
I have heard it said many times that once someone (or a couple) comes to get counseling that there is so much damage that has already been done, all that’s left is to try to “salvage” that person or that marriage. I can testify that once someone sees who they are in Christ, God will do much more than salvage that person’s life or that couple’s marriage.
To those pastors or husbands in hiding, you must come to the place that you realize that you need help! If you have read this post, it was not by chance. God has led you here. As someone who has recently been there, I encourage you to reach out to one of these men because they genuinely care about you. After many years in the ministry, we were in isolation, needing help, but not knowing where to turn, dealing with the after effects of past habitual sin, and living in fear. I can testify that Dale provided exactly what he described above and pointed us to Christ. To God be the glory! We are praying that God will use this to reach others.
Thank you for your words of great encouragement to me and to others. I trust those who read your comments will reach out to us! We, only by the grace of God and for the glory of God, want to help others in need. It’s never too late!