Warning**Please don’t read this if you think that a Pastor is a superhuman who wakes up with fresh breath and never struggles like the rest of the world.Â
One of the hardest things to admit as a Pastor is that sometimes you run low on fuel. Lately, I have felt this way. Maybe you have as well. Maybe you’re surprised to hear me say this. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have life figured out and I struggle just like the rest of the world. I have good days and bad. One of my fears as a Pastor is that I am not always living out of the overflow. Sometimes it feels like I’m scraping the bottom. There have certainly been times when I stood on stage and spoke because I was supposed to. I hate those times. Then there are times that I feel as if God has lodged a message deep in my being and I will explode if I don’t let it out. I wish I could say that every week feels that way but the reality is that it doesn’t. My prayer and my desire is that my life echo’s the words of Jeremiah:
“His (God’s) word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in. I can’t do it!”–Jer. 20:8-9
This may come as a shock to you. I hope not. If a pastor can’t be honest than who can. If you ever wonder whether or not you should pray for your pastor the answer is always YES! Here are some things to pray for:
- That his time with God is fresh.
- That his heart for people reflects Jesus’.
- That he is placing his family before the church.
- That his leadership is strong.
- That he has friends he can confide in.
- That his kids respect and love him.
- That his purity stays strong.
- That he remains transparent.
- That he is surrounded by people who want to give rather than get.
- That he never loses vision.
- That he cares more about people than money.
- That he stays pure morally, financially, and ethically.
- Â That he can be honest about running low.
Thank you for your prayers!
P.S.–I can’t wait till Sunday!
Jeff,
I’m sorry that you are currently running on empty, or low. I can definitely relate to what you’re saying.Thank you for being so transparent and honest about how you feel. I think that is one of the reasons why our church is growing and thriving so much, and why you are so loved and respected by so many people. Try to ride out this wave & know that I will be praying for you & your wonderful family. May God Bless your day!!! Love, Milo
You are ALWAYS in our prayers!!!! Please don’t ever give up! You are doing an excellent job & changing lives & attitudes for the better everyday!!! We had friends in the service today that started Jeff & I at Port City years ago….. I think they are definitely coming back!!!!! They both (even the kids!) thoroughly enjoyed being there today!!!
1. You have and will continue to have my prayers.
2. I hope that you will always be transparent with your church, especially about issues such as this.
3. I think you know that I have some experience with this kind of thing and I am always here for you to spend time with and talk.
4. I have now been part of this church for just over a year and I only remember your being out of the pulpit for one Sunday.
5. Pastoral burn-out is not a matter of how strong your faith is! Burn-out is a matter of being responsible to recognize when, at least the potential for it is possible. It is imperative not only for your church but for your family that you learn to recognize it quickly and early in your career.
6. Lean on God and know that He has put good people in your path on which to also lean.
7. WE LOVE YOU!
Jeff even though it isnt fun to see anybody this way it is also good to know your human like the rest of us. I hope you come out of your “funk” soon, take care. Go see your new board and day dream about carving a long arch cut backs on a sunny 4 foot glass day with a slight off shore wind holding up long lines.