Two pastors talk about their depression

"Depression and burnout are becoming the occupational hazards of ministry. In a recent Enrichment poll, 17% of those who responded said that quite often they were depressed to the extent it affected their ministry performance. Another 20% said they experienced this lever of depression every 2 or 3 months."

This quote, from a Summer 2006 article in The Enrichment Journal, further highlights the kind of issues pastors face. Although it's a relatively old article, it could well have been written this morning. The issues are being felt right now by ministry servants around the world.

The article, an interview with Wayde I. Goodall and E. Glenn Wagner, is a tremendous read. Two pastors sharing their struggle with depression and the effects ministry serving had on them. If you're a ministry servant, I urge you to read it and gain comfort that you are not alone. These challenges that a such a prevalent part of ministry do NOT have to grip you to the point of hitting the wall and giving up.

Check it out

This article (and there are so many others out there saying the same thing) is why Serving Strong exists. These challenges of ministry do NOT have to grip you and render you ineffective. There is help. There is a way of Serving Strong!

It strikes me odd that, in this day of tremendous resources on preventing burnout and other side effects of ministry (books, seminars, conferences, DVD's, CD's, presentations, workbooks, home study course, etc.), so many ministry servants are still struggling. There's an apparent gap between these resources and the great people who respond to God's call on their life to serve others.

Serving Strong presents you three options that help to address this gap:

1. Blog.  You are currently reading the Serving Strong blog. This is a place to come, free of charge, to see what is going on with research and information specifically regarding balance and self care for ministry servants.
2. eNewsletter. Every Tuesday morning at 6:00 am EST, Serving Strong sends out a free, quick thought directly to the inbox of its subscribers. It doesn't take a lot of time to read. It's designed to keep balance and self care in the forefront of your mind as you pursue your calling to serve others. This newsletter is now reaching people in four countries. SUBSCRIBE TODAY. Or, CHECK THE ARCHIVES to get a feel for the eNews.
3. Coaching. This is a personal benefit designed specifically to help you identify the areas of your life that need more balance and self care. It is a designed alliance that deepens your learning and forwards your action toward true, lasting growth. It's intentional and consistent. And it works!! VISIT THE COACHING SITE for more info.

Still have questions? Call me (330.402.6600) or email me ([email protected])