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The Lonely Pastor—9 Observations


5. Moral failure. Unfortunately some pastors seek to fill the voids created by loneliness by entering into inappropriate relationships. Ministries are destroyed and families are torn apart.

6. Depression. Some level of depression is inevitable with the lonely pastor. Some of it can be very serious.

Three Solutions …

I plead with pastors to who are experiencing loneliness to take one or all of the following steps:

7. Find a confidant. Be intentional about developing a healthy relationship with someone. That person may be a pastor in another town, but don’t stop until you have found such a person.

8. Involve your spouse. Many pastors are reluctant to involve their spouses in the messy details of church life. I would hope that you view your spouse as your best friend with whom you can share the good, the bad and the ugly.

9. Get professional help. Pastors are among the last to seek professional help. Unfortunately, their loneliness can degenerate into depression, causing them to leave the ministry and even have suicidal thoughts. Please get help before it’s too late.

What insights can you offer on pastoral loneliness? What suggestions do you have for lonely pastors?