Dear Brothers:

It seems like it happens every week. We hear of preachers being dismissed from their jobs or deciding to change courses because the pressures are too great. 

This post isn’t about who is right or wrong when a preacher leaves the ministry or changes positions. I feel certain there is some blame to go around on all sides.

This is a plea from my heart for those of us who are preaching brother to show more love and support for one another when it happens.

We have spoken with more preachers than we can count who are suffering, many of them are suffering in silence. They have been chastised by their elders, or some well-meaning fellow Christian.

They feel under-appreciated and they feel that few understand their life and all they do for others. They feel that many are not concerned about their family, their health, their mental well-being, or their walk with the Lord.

Okay, let’s take a deep breath. I know that some of you guys reading this would say, “I’ve never felt that way, and those who have need to get over themselves.” I’m thankful you’ve never been treated like that or that you’ve never been made to feel this way.

Yet, we should be careful about those kinds of comments. At least, until we’ve walked in their shoes. If we are honest, most of us who preach understand these thoughts and feelings. My prayer is that we will work overtime to strengthen, support, and love a fellow preacher who is struggling. Here’s a handful of suggestions that we might consider.

Offer a word of encouragement, say a prayer, encourage the preacher’s family, forgive, don’t pry too much, stay in touch, and build up your fellow ministers in the presence of others. Much more could be said about each of these suggestions and other suggestions could be added, but you get the idea.

We are a part of a special fraternity. God has been good to us. Let’s be good to one another, let’s encourage one another, and support one another during difficult seasons. Have a blessed week.