I NEED YOUR HELP

 

I NEED YOUR HELP---

 

Several years ago, our pastor committed suicide. As you might imagine, it was a huge blow to his family as well as to our church. As a result, I wrote an essay about the things I see pastors doing for their church congregations that are not necessarily pastoral responsibilities.

I, for one, do not believe it is the pastor’s job to fix a flat tire for someone in the parking lot of his church if he is somewhat old. I do not think they should be called to a church members house to unplug a toilet. I believe any church would have someone with a plunger to take care of an item such as this. I do not believe the pastor or clergy member should have to take care of dressing, bathing, and feeding of an elderly member unless they just felt compelled to do so. But to be ordered to do so as a part of their job description is beyond the pale, as far as I’m concerned.

As a result of my pastor’s death, I wrote an essay on my feelings about these non-pastoral requests. In July, it was resurrected again by a Christian publication, and I was asked to verify my research sources and to update these as well.

I’m sad to say that in the 10 years since this event, the statistics have not improved very well when it comes to the life of a pastor or clergy member.

Their divorce rate, depression rate, hopelessness and loneliness rate are very much equal to the secular population as well. The percentage of pastors considering leaving their jobs is sad.

Think about it. You are a pastor of a small church in a small town. Who can you complain or share with about some problem that you are carrying? You can’t discuss it with any of your church members. I talked to one pastor who has been in the ministry for over 30 years. I suggested to him that in his time as a pastor, he had seen more dead people than I ever did as a cop in Houston. He agreed, and I asked how this affected him and was there any therapy or counseling for the stress he endured. He said there was now, but it just became available a couple of years ago.

Pastors are humans. They suffer and feel just like you and I do. They have families and need down time. Otherwise, they will suffer burnout and bitterness. Think about this: when do people get married? The rehearsal dinner is usually Friday night and the wedding on Saturday. Funerals usually occur on weekends in order to allow family members to arrive. What days off do pastors get? If there is a Saturday in there, then he has to work. Now, he realizes that is part of his job, but don’t you think he gets weary with it sometimes?

Revisiting these statistics made me think. We have an Alcoholics Anonymous, a Gamblers Anonymous, as well as many others. Why not have one for pastors and clergy?

So, a pastor friend and I created one. We started Pastors Anonymous on Facebook. It is a closed group for pastors and clergy only. It is a safe place for clergy of all denominations to go to and ask for help, advice, and resources from other experienced pastors and clergy. Doctrinal issues such as baptism, women preachers, etc. are not to be discussed. We want this to be a place to discuss industry issues such as addiction or depression or loneliness.

I will be the administrator, not a commentator, since I have never been a pastor.

Being a pastor or clergy member is a hard job and requires commitment and dedication. We need to support them as best as we can. They need us.

Please send this PASTORS ANONYMOUS Facebook page to any active or retired pastor or clergy member you might be acquainted with.

Who knows? We might just be able to help save someone and their family as well.

See you next week….Peary