The importance of pastors caring for each other

We live in a time of so much lack of love in our world and this seems to have seeped into churches in general. This is true not only among members relating to other members, but in some instances, pastors relating to other pastors. It is easier to remain in our so-called relational “comfort zone”, but this usually leads to superficiality and the tendency to not seek help when help is needed. And many pastors are in need of help, the kind of help that can be found in healthy pastoral fellowship.

God called us to help one another, to reach out to those in need. As followers of Jesus, we are called to lovingly restore those who go through spiritual and emotional pitfalls in life. We are to care for those who suffer, who go through storms in life. After all, we are children of the God who not only loves us and cares about our suffering, but also calls us to do the same: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).

So many times as pastors, we choose to ignore the needs of our fellow colleagues. Let us show sensitivity, empathy, and deep compassion for those who are experiencing various problems in life, behaving as men of God. How many pastors and families are suffering and their brothers on the same mission field don't care!

“How many pastors and families are suffering and their brothers on the same mission field don't care!”

Let us endeavor to take care of each other. Let us review our concepts of true brotherly love. Let us grow in the art of encouraging, praying, motivating, and suggesting possible pathways. Let us not allow fellow pastors to be without assistance, affection, direction, comprehensive care, and godly motivation for the journey, so they may fulfill their calling well.

Unassisted, isolated pastors should no longer be the norm among us. Cultivating healthy relationships with other pastors is an essential part of the process for pastoral care and is so important when healing needs to happen. Because of the hardships in ministry, many pastors and their families are in dire need of companionship in order to overcome the daily grind and the weight of their pastoral duties. When these circumstances are not dealt with properly, the result is always disastrous, and the numbers show how discouragement, depression, burnout, and even suicide are growing among pastors these days. As beloved children of Almighty God, we cannot accept this pattern without trying to change the situation.

“As beloved children of Almighty God, we cannot accept this pattern without trying to change the situation.”

In order for change to happen, we need to actually care more about each other. Our churches need to become communities of assistance, care, hospitality, acceptance, forgiveness, and celebration. This can only happen if the pastors are well-cared for and care for each other. May the Father raise up more pastors filled with His love, His grace, and His mercy to approach other pastors and help them effectively. May we constantly pray for our pastors and their families, supporting their ministry, and discerning their unspoken needs. May the Father be glorified in the lives of those pastors and professionals in the area of ​​emotional care who have worked tirelessly to assist others who are going through hardships in their personal life, family, and church. And may we be known as the great and mighty army of God who will not leave our wounded behind.

Joe Souza serves as the ethnic ministry coordinator at the Baptist Convention of New England.