Pastor, You Can’t Do it Alone

Pastoring can be lonely. Many days you feel like the weight of the world is on you and there is no way out from under that weight. You might have drafted a resignation letter on Monday only to tear it up or delete it off you computer ten minutes later.

There is a temptation for you to do your life and work alone. But, pastor, you can’t do it alone. Here are some ways to not do it alone:

Friends Outside the Church

One major temptation when you work in a church is to only have friends in the church. This can be a major issue because you won’t feel as vulnerable and open in these friendships as necessary many times.

Make sure you have friends outside the church.

Accountability

You need someone who is holding you accountable. Accountability partners have had a huge impact on my spiritual health. Having a friend you can share everything from the deepest part of you is a big help to you as you pastor a church.

Friends Who Are Church Leaders

Make sure you have friends who are church leaders. A temptation I have seen play out is church leaders who are completely isolated from other church leaders and just want to do their own thing and not engage other leaders.

Seek out other church leaders to friend, to share challenges, to share life together and see the fruit of those relationships grow.

Friends Who Aren’t Church Leaders

Another temptation I have seen is church leaders who’s only true friends are other church leaders. This can be dangerous because when your only friends are pastors your meaningful conversations can sometimes just dive into pity parties and that is not helping anyone.

A Friend or Two Who’s Deeply Invested in YOUR Discipleship

This might go back to an accountability partner or two but having a friend or two who’s deeply concerned with your discipleship and your growth is of huge value to a pastor. We are so invested in everyone else’s growth and discipleship we can neglect our own.

A Small Group

If your church has a small group program or system make sure you are actively involved in some way.

What Do You Think?

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